After 133 years, the police department in Superior, Wisconsin swore in its first Black police officer yesterday.
“[It] really was something I thought would happen sooner,” Superior Police Chief Nick Alexander told the Superior Telegram. “Part of me is disappointed it’s taken this long to come to the opportunity.”
New officer Ronald Robinson told WIDO that he wasn’t even aware of the history he was making.
“That is awesome,” he said.
Robison has previous law enforcement experience as a member of the 148 Fighter Wing in Duluth, Minn.
“Robinson possesses all the same qualities that we wanted here,” said Alexander. “He’s honest. He’s respectful. He’s calm. He’s intelligent,” Alexander told WIDO.
Alexander says diversity has been a priority for him since becoming police chief and efforts to increase the diverse candidate pool included outreach to the University of Wisconsin- Superior Black Student Union.
“I believe ultimately in building relationships with diverse groups,” he said.
Robinson was sworn in with three other recruits who will begin training next week before starting patrol.
