Alumni Feature - Malec, Blackburn and Brown

Law enforcement in the 21st century is evolving rapidly, as police face new threats and challenges along with increased scrutiny from the public and the media. The law enforcement profession is responding with significant changes in the areas of leadership, structure, culture, policy and technology – according to the University of San Diego.

As part of the Joliet Police Department, Lewis alumni Dawn Malec ’20, Sherrie Blackburn ’20 and Robert Brown ’19 recognize this opportunity for growth and are ready to take on the challenge, together.

In January 2020, Chief Dawn Malec was named as the first-ever female interim police chief for the Joliet Police Department. About a month later, she was appointed to Chief of Police. Serving beside her are recently promoted fellow Flyers Deputy Chief Robert Brown and Deputy Chief Sherrie Blackburn, who is also the first-ever female deputy chief of police for the department.

“I am excited that we are on this journey together,” says Malec. “During a time where law enforcement faces many critical changes and challenges, we are ready to move forward and serve the public to the best of our ability. We want to make a change for the better – and we are prepared and excited for what the future holds.”

Malec is confident that having all gone through the Public Safety Administration graduate program together at Lewis, they will be able to step into their new roles with a fresh perspective, aligned goals, and a greater ability to stand together as a united front to create change.

All with 20+ years of experience, Malec, Brown and Blackburn enrolled at Lewis as adult students and agree that their experiences have helped them to prepare for their new roles. They understand the value of a Lewis education and the importance of an advanced degree. In fact, they even continue to encourage others in the department to join the Flyer family.  

“I like to think of ourselves as mentors,” says Brown. “We have seen the incredible impact the program at Lewis has had on us and our careers, and we want that for others in our department as well. We felt supported by so many during our time at Lewis, and we want to pay it forward and help those who we consider future Flyers.”

This recent change in the local police department has not only motivated others who work there, but also young people around the world.

“Chief Malec and I feel very fortunate to be where we are today,” says Blackburn. “The most exciting part about it for me is that as we step into these new roles, future female officers from all over can see us as role models and realize their full potential. I am so happy to be a part of that change!”

“Chief Malec and Deputy Chief Blackburn are great at what they do, and I am so excited for this refreshing culture shift in a department that, historically, has been run by white males. As leaders in the Joliet community, we are ready to move forward and make real change,” adds Brown.

Our Flyers are on the rise, ready to bring the Lasallian mission to life, in the spirit of association, and protect and serve our community.

Police work is constantly evolving, now more than ever, which is why it is so critical for officers to be able to adapt and overcome. But these three would agree that with fellow Flyers by your side, that seems a little easier to accomplish!