Yavapai News

The 2020 Arizona Capitol Times Public Safety Leader of the Year award has been awarded to Prescott Police Chief Debora Black.

“Congratulations to Chief Black,” Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli said in a press release from the city. “We have been privileged to witness her exemplary leadership in her role as our Chief of Police, for the past several years. She is an outstanding representative of our city and our community.”

The Arizona Capitol Times honors men, women and organizations in the state each year based on how they have improved the quality of life in their community. 

"Chief Black was chosen as a recipient of this award based on her long legacy of dedicated and innovative service within the public safety industry," the city said in the press release. 

Black has been the chief of the Prescott Police Department since 2016, making her the first woman to serve as the department's chief. Before becoming chief, Black was the chief of police at the Glendale Police Department after being the assistant chief of the department. She has also been an officer for the Phoenix Police Department, before rising to assistant chief.