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Alumni Spotlight: Sisters in Law: Identical Twins Lead by Living Their Truth

In October 2022, Evanston native Schenita Stewart was sworn in as the first female Chief of Police for Evanston (IL) Police Department. Among the attendees in the packed hall that evening were supporters from the Evanston community and her family, including her identical twin sister, Commander of Investigations Schonella Stewart of the Oak Park (IL) Police Department. The Stewarts are the only identical twin sisters to graduate from SPSC. Chief Stewart is a member of SPSC Class #387; Commander Stewart, SPSC Class #561.

Alumni Spotlight: Sgt. Angela Smith

April 2, 2024 - One of two NUCPS community members to graduate from SPSC and earn NUCPS Crash Investigation & Reconstruction's Fricke Cooper Achievement Award, Sgt. Angela Smith of the Wheaton (IL) Police Department discusses her NUCPS crash background, augmenting her interest in mentoring and leadership with lessons learned in SPSC #531, the current challenges of recruiting, and some of the positive changes in law enforcement culture that she has experienced in her 25-year career.

“I enjoy being challenged. When we go outside our comfort zones is when we learn the most about ourselves and the world around us.”

 

Instructor Spotlight: Meet Sgt. Alexandra Kitty Nelson

April 1, 2024 - Sgt. Alexandra Kitty Nelson is one of two NUCPS community members to graduate from SPSC and earn NUCPS Crash Investigation & Reconstruction's Fricke Cooper Achievement Award. As a student and an instructor, Sgt. Alexandra Kitty Nelson is dedicated to lifelong learning. In addition to her duties with the Arlington Heights (IL) Police Department, she is also a NUCPS adjunct crash instructor and a CIT teacher through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standard Board.

"We need to remember that there is more to our professions that clocking into our shifts every day. I encourage every law enforcement professional to keep your minds and hearts open to the possibilities that exist to create connections and build bridges within our profession and from our profession to others."