Kenneth J. Davenport ’94, a former lieutenant and 20-year veteran of the Worcester police was promoted to captain of the Worcester Police Department (WPD), the Telegram & Gazette and Worcester Magazine report. Davenport, a visual arts major while at Holy Cross, is now “the highest rank a minority officer has achieved in the department,” according to the Telegram & Gazette.
During the promotion ceremony, which was held on May 19, City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. said that Davenport’s new position marked a “milestone” in the city. Rev. Carlos Davenport of Worcester’s John Street Baptist Church, and father of the new captain, told the Telegram & Gazette that this promotion will inspire other youths in the city.
“The city has come so far,” Rev. Davenport said in the article. “It will help our community build a better relationship with the community of the people of color. (My son) will be a role model for a lot of minority kids.”
Media coverage:
- Telegram & Gazette, May 19: 8 Worcester police officers promoted, including first African-American captain
- Worcester Magazine, May 19: WPD promotes eight to supervisory positions
This “Holy Cross in the News” item is by Jessica Kennedy.