The Village of Broadview has officially promoted Detective Brandy Johnson to the position of Deputy Chief of Police. The appointment of Broadview’s first African-American woman as deputy police chief was formalized during a special meeting Board of Trustees meeting on February 10th.
“We are thrilled to promote Detective Johnson to be the first African-American female Deputy Chief during Black History Month,” said Mayor Katrina Thompson. “Her leadership experience and dedication to public service, which is protecting the residents of Broadview, make her an invaluable asset to our police department and our community, and we are confident that she will excel in this new leadership role.”
Prior to joining the Broadview Police Department, Deputy Chief Johnson, who has worked for the Broadview Police Department for three years, previously served with the Chicago Fire Department, where she conducted investigations. Her background also includes service with the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.
“The quality of a true leader is they must have the ability and be able to determine and organize an organization's goals, craft a strategy for achieving them, and motivate others to accomplish the task and implement those goals for the successful completion of a mission,” said Police Chief Thomas Mills. “I selected Deputy Chief Brandy Johnson because she met those qualities. I think we're going to take the Broadview Police Department 20 steps in the future.”
In response to a public comment made by a resident about local crime during the board meeting, Broadview is “safe” says police chief.
“For someone to come up and insult my officers and my comrades Public Works building to say that this community is not safe, it's just not true,” said Chief Mills. “As I stated in our town hall meeting four weeks ago, crime in Broadview, compared to the same period last year, is down 92%.”
“Honored and humbled.”
“I am honored and humbled by this appointment,” said Deputy Chief Johnson. “I am committed to serving the residents of Broadview and working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Broadview Police Department to ensure the safety and security of our community.”