Sheila Mason
A trailblazer in her field, retired Chief of Police, Sheila Mason was one of the few Black female police chiefs in the nation and has dedicated her career to both law enforcement and community advocacy. She joined the Woodmere Village Police Department in 2010 and was appointed Chief of Police in 2012, where her leadership and commitment left a lasting impact on the department and the broader community.
Mason's journey in law enforcement began in 1979 as a dispatcher at Cuyahoga Community College. Encouraged by a mentor, she enrolled in the college's police academy, where she quickly advanced through the ranks. Over the years, she served in numerous leadership roles, including Sergeant, Captain, and Commander, overseeing all three campuses of Cuyahoga Community College.
As Chief of Police in Woodmere, Mason was known for her unwavering dedication to community engagement and justice. Her leadership extended beyond the police department, as she worked closely with the Cleveland Browns on initiatives to improve community and police relations. One of her most significant contributions was her role in the creation of the "Conversations for Change" program, which facilitates open dialogue between high school students and local police officers. Through this program, Mason worked to foster mutual understanding, empower youth, and promote positive community-building through communication and shared experiences.
Mason's commitment to improving community-police relations also extended to her leadership in the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), where she made history as the first woman to hold the position of Sergeant-at-Arms in the organization's 42-year history. NOBLE, which has 60 chapters across six regions, is dedicated to enhancing public safety and engaging in public service to benefit all communities.
Throughout her career, Mason has mentored countless young people and worked with local leaders and organizations to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Her pioneering work as a woman of color in law enforcement and her dedication to service have earned her widespread respect and admiration.