National Black Police Association, Westchester Chapter, Westchester Blacks In Law Enforcment

As civil service officers, it is our duty to uphold the laws of the state of New York. However, as natural leaders it is our moral, ethical, and human duty to reach and teach our families and youth by providing increased involvement and support thereby enriching lives and enhancing our communities.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Paying our last Respect to a "TrailBlazer" in Westchester Law Enforcement, Warden Yvonne Powell

March 30, 2009

We the Officers and Members of the Westchester, New York Chapter of the National Black Police Association are offering this Resolution and paying the last measure of our love and respect to Warden Yvonne Powell and her family.

Today we say farewell to a pioneer in Law Enforcement for Westchester County. Warden Yvonne Powell was more than a supervisor; she was a mother, a friend, a supporter, and fighter for woman’s rights. We learned from her strength and her sacrifices. For African Americans, she set the standards for Black woman in Law Enforcement.

Ms. Powell was a former President of the Westchester Rockland Guardians Association and Secretary and Treasurer of the North East Region of the National Black Police AssociationMs. Powell graduated from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, where she majored in criminal justice. After passing three Civil Service examinations, however, she took a job instead as a meter maid in White Plains. Growing bored with that, she moved to a position as a Deputy Sheriff at the County Jail in 1967.

Ms. Powell advanced through Civil Service examinations and evaluations to positions as a Corrections Officer, Sergeant and Captain before being made an Assistant Warden. The climb was not easy. After receiving one of the top scores in the Civil Service test for captain, she was denied the position.Ms. Powell filed a sex-discrimination case with the State Division of Human Rights and won and was prepared to fight for her promotion during the county's appeal of the case. But County Executive Andrew P. O'Rourke took office, and after reviewing the case, he decided she deserved the promotion.

While she was a warden, Ms. Powell began many programs at the County Jail that received wide recognition. The Board of Educational Cooperative Services began certification programs in nail care, building maintenance and child care, enabling many women to find jobs after their release. She also began a program allowing inmates who gave birth in jail to keep their babies with them instead of placing them in foster care.

After retirement Ms. Powell worked as a coordinator of the Abbott House Mentoring Program. Ms Powell received the Westchester County Women’s Hall of Fame Award in 1995.We extend to her family our heartfelt sympathy and prayers in the loss of their loved one. May all of you find comfort and strength in your faith in God and may you accept the belief that God makes no mistakes.

As an organization, we are your brothers and sisters. We are always on call whenever you need our assistance.

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