Detroit Public Safety Foundation

06/08/2026

Check out the photos from the Detroit Public Safety Foundation’s 13th Annual Women in Blue celebration!
It was an inspiring morning honoring the outstanding women of the Detroit Police and Fire Departments and their commitment to serving our community.
View the full gallery from DBusiness here:

The Detroit Public Safety Foundation hosted its 13th annual Women in Blue celebration on May 27 at the MGM Grand Detroit in downtown Detroit.

06/03/2026

⚾ We're thrilled to share that Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize has once again selected the Detroit Public Safety Foundation as his charity of choice through the Tigers' Autographs for a Cause program!

Now is your chance to own an autographed Casey Mize baseball card while supporting public safety in Detroit. Every purchase helps advance the mission of the Detroit Public Safety Foundation and supports Detroit's first responders.

Get your signed Casey Mize card today and make a difference: https://www.mlb.com/tigers/community/foundation/autographs-for-a-cause

Thank you, Casey and Detroit Tigers Foundation, for your continued support of the Detroit Public Safety Foundation, Detroit Police Department and Detroit Fire Department!

06/02/2026

Join us Thursday for a early evening slow roll!

05/30/2026

Bravery integrity dedication. Congratulations

A new group of Detroit police officers is officially joining the force, and for one graduate, the moment carried deep personal meaning.

05/28/2026

We are so thankful to everyone who made yesterday’s Women in Blue event such a great success!

Congratulations to our two honorees:
Women in Blue Officer of the Year — Sergeant Alexis Campbell
DFD Woman of the Year — Firefighter Casey Foren

We also want to recognize and congratulate all 24 women nominated from DPD and DFD. Your dedication, leadership, and service inspire us all.

A special thank you to our platinum sponsors, Rocket Companies and Diversified Members Credit Union, for their incredible support.

We are also deeply grateful to Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone (Ret.) for providing such inspiring keynote remarks.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters, and especially the amazing women in blue who make our community stronger every day.

05/26/2026

Meet Women in Blue Officer of the Year nominee, Detroit Police Department Corporal Sandra Chavez Gadwell.

Corporal Sandra Chavez Gadwell is a dedicated member of the Detroit Police Department currently assigned to the Mounted Unit. Since joining the department in 1998, she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and a strong commitment to public safety and community engagement.

Corporal Chavez Gadwell began her career in Patrol at the First Precinct. Throughout her career, she has served in several specialized assignments, including the Vice Unit, Narcotics Enforcement Unit, and Violent Crimes Task Force, where she earned recognition for her strong investigative skills and work ethic.

While working full time, Corporal Chavez Gadwell earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, graduating with honors in 2017. She also became actively involved in campus leadership and was a founding member and Vice President of Alpha Psi Lambda, the first and largest coed Latino fraternity at the University of Michigan – Dearborn.

In 2018, Corporal Chavez Gadwell achieved her goal of joining the Detroit Police Mounted Unit, where she has become a respected trainer and mentor. She regularly assists with training, community outreach events, and public safety initiatives throughout the city while proudly representing the Detroit Police Department.

Corporal Chavez Gadwell exemplifies the highest standards of leadership, professionalism, and service through her dedication to both the department and the community she serves.

The winner will be announced tomorrow at Women in Blue.

05/26/2026

Meet today's Women in Blue Detroit Fire Department Woman of the Year nominee, Lieutenant Cartier Herbert.

Lieutenant Cartier Herbert is an 11-year veteran of the Detroit Fire Department currently assigned to the Fire Marshal Division. She has demonstrated unwavering dedication throughout her career, responding to fires, medical emergencies, and critical incidents while maintaining the highest standards of service to the citizens of Detroit.

Lieutenant Herbert is a proven leader committed to professional excellence and continuous growth. She holds multiple certifications, including Firefighter I & II, Medical First Responder, Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, and Fire Inspector I, reflecting her strong commitment to leadership development and the fire service.

She is also deeply dedicated to mentorship and community engagement, actively guiding both women and men through the hiring process and encouraging them to pursue careers in the fire service. Currently serving as the only woman in the Fire Marshal Division, she continues to set an example through her professionalism and work ethic. In 2025, she was recognized as the number one fire inspector, highlighting her impact on fire prevention and community safety.

Lieutenant Cartier Herbert exemplifies the core values of the Detroit Fire Department through her leadership, dedication, and commitment to service.

The winner will be announced tomorrow morning at Women in Blue.

05/26/2026

Meet today's Women in Blue Officer of the Year nominee, Detroit Police Department Officer Tanesha Smith.

Police Officer Tanesha Smith is a dedicated 10-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department currently assigned to the Training Academy. Since joining the department in 2015, she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and a strong commitment to serving both the department and the community.

Officer Smith began her law enforcement career with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department before joining DPD. She has served in Patrol, S*x Crimes, and the Training Academy, earning a reputation for sound judgment, resilience, and dedication to victims.
Since joining the Training Academy in 2025, Officer Smith has played an important role in preparing recruits for successful careers in law enforcement. She is recognized as a valued mentor and resource for both recruits and fellow officers. Known as a natural nurturer, she helps foster a supportive and family-oriented environment within the academy.

Officer Smith earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Wayne County Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Cleary University. She is a devoted wife and proud mother of four children, striving to set a positive example for them. She serves the community by providing essential necessities to those in need. She also founded a company that specializes in providing housing and care for those with cognitive delays.

Officer Smith exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, compassion, and service within the Detroit Police Department.

The winner will be announced tomorrow at Women in Blue.