Wayne County Deputy Chief of Jail and Courts Raphael Washington was named today the new sheriff of Wayne County, according to a Detroit Free Press article.
Washington picks up where his predecessor, beloved Sheriff Benny Napoleon left off. Napoleon died December 17 from complications related to COVID-19. Washington will take over the sheriff position right away, going into the term that began January 1 but became available after Napoleon’s death, according to the report. He would have to run for reelection in 2022.
Washington’s appointment comes after 14 candidates were interviewed by a panel that included Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, Chief Judge Freddie Burton and County Clerk Cathy Garrett over the past two days. While Worthy and Garrett voted to confirm Washington for the position, Burton abstained, according to The Detroit Free Press.
Other candidates interviewed for the sheriff position included Wayne County Commander Lynnette Cain, State Rep. Tyrone Carter, Charles Corley II, Chief Robert Dunlap, former Wayne County Executive Lt. Walter L. Epps, Kevin H. Williams, Jason Nesler, T.P. Nykoriak, Elton Oliver, Wayne County Undersheriff Daniel Pfannes, Inkster Police Chief William T. Riley II, Warren Evans Chief of Staff Assad Turfe and Calandra Tyson.
Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell has issued the following statement on the selection of Raphael Washington as the new Wayne County Sheriff:
“I congratulate Sheriff Washington on his appointment and am pleased that the panel had so many well-qualified candidates to choose from in making its selection.
“I am confident Sheriff Washington will serve with honesty and integrity in upholding the office to the highest of standards, all the while having the best interest of Wayne County residents.”
Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans issued a statement and congratulated Washington on his selection to be sheriff of Wayne County.
“We have some very challenging times ahead. It is essential that Wayne County’s leaders continue working together as a team to safeguard the health, safety, and economic stability of our community,” Evans said. “I know Raphael understands this and is prepared to meet these challenges head-on.
“The loss of Benny Napoleon cannot be overstated. He was a close friend and an outstanding public servant who simply cannot be replaced. But I do look forward to working closely with our new sheriff on behalf of Wayne County.
I also want to thank Wayne County Chief Probate Judge Freddie Burton, Prosecutor Kym Worthy, and Clerk Cathy Garrett for their service in selecting our new sheriff.”
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