Detroit Police and Detroit Fire celebrate members graduating from Cleary University

• Partnership Expands Higher Education Access for Detroit First Responders
• Flexible Program Helps Members Balance Service, Family and School
• Graduates Strengthen Leadership Across Public Safety Agencies
• Hundreds of Detroit first responders have already graduated through the Pathways to Completion program

The City of Detroit proudly recognizes members of the Detroit Police Department (DPD) and Detroit Fire Department (DFD) who graduated from Cleary University during commencement ceremonies held May 3 in Ypsilanti. Through a strong partnership with Cleary University, Detroit's first responders continue advancing their education while strengthening the skills they bring to public service each day.

The collaboration between the City of Detroit and Cleary University has created meaningful opportunities for police officers, firefighters and civilian personnel to pursue higher education through flexible programs designed to meet the demanding schedules of public safety professionals. Courses are structured in accelerated six-week sessions, with online and in-person options, allowing members to continue serving Detroit while pursuing degrees in fields such as business administration, leadership, technology and other career-enhancing disciplines.

"Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make in our city, and I am incredibly proud of the Detroit Police and Fire members who are taking this step to grow both personally and professionally," said Mayor Mary Sheffield. "This partnership with Cleary University is helping propel our public safety professionals to higher levels in their careers while strengthening the level of service they provide every day. When our police officers and firefighters are better equipped with knowledge and skills, it directly benefits the residents of Detroit - and that's a win for everyone."

"The Detroit Police Department is one of the most educated law enforcement agencies in the country, and much of that is thanks to the outstanding partnership we have with Cleary University," said Chief Todd A. Bettison. "Our members understand that learning never stops. Continuing their education makes them stronger leaders, better problem-solvers and even more effective servants for the people of Detroit."

Lt. Mark Young (third from left), of the Detroit Police Department, along with several other members of DPD ahead of the May 3 Cleary University commencement ceremony.

Lieutenant Mark Young received an honorary doctorate. A 39-year veteran of the DPD, Lt. Young was in the first cohort of Cleary University's Pathway to Completion accelerated degree program, designed specifically for first responders who wanted to earn a degree while balancing work and family life. Lt. Young went on to receive his master's degree, was presented with the Graduate Student Leadership Award and was a speaker at graduation.

He returned to the commencement stage again this year to accept an honorary doctorate degree. "Cleary changed my life. Cleary is my Harvard," said Lt. Young. "I have been offered jobs all over the country since obtaining my degrees at Cleary. I plan to stay exactly where I am and use what I have learned for other opportunities within the DPD. The school has motivated me and inspired me to be a better person and law enforcement officer. I am honored and blessed to receive this honorary doctorate degree."

Several non-sworn (civilian) members of the DPD are also graduating, including Senior Emergency Services Deployment Operator Stephanie Kirkland. Kirkland has worked in public service her whole career, including the last 12 with the DPD, where she currently trains new hires at the 911 call center. She received her bachelor's degree in business administration and has said she plans to continue and earn her master's degree.

"This program saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. It helped me get to where I am now as a supervisor," said Kirkland. "Cleary helped me put everything together, my career experience and college credits I had earned to get a degree in something I had been doing my whole life: leading others," said Kirkland.

Retired Detroit Police Corporal Sheron Adams, Lt. Mark Young and Lieutenant Kaywune Latham prepare for Cleary University's May 3 commencement. Young earned an honorary doctorate from the university.

Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said the partnership has delivered tremendous value to members of the Detroit Fire Department.

"We greatly appreciate our partnership with Cleary University and the opportunity it creates for the men and women of the Detroit Fire Department," said Commissioner Simms. "Cleary understands the unique demands placed on first responders and works around the schedules of our members so they can take full advantage of this excellent opportunity. Investing in our people ultimately strengthens the service we provide to Detroit residents."

The Pathways to Completion program for first responders, launched by Cleary in 2021, has become a valuable pathway for Detroit public safety members seeking to advance professionally, prepare for future leadership opportunities and build long-term career skills while continuing to serve the community.

"Cleary University is honored to work alongside the Detroit Police Department and the Detroit Fire Department to provide an opportunity for these hard-working first responders to obtain a degree from Cleary quickly, conveniently and affordability," said Alan Drimmer, PhD, president and CEO of Cleary University. "We are proud to invest in the future of these individuals who have dedicated their lives to protecting ours, and I look forward each year to congratulating each graduate on commencement day. To date, nearly 800 members of the DPD and the DFD have earned a degree from Cleary. We couldn't be prouder!"

The Cleary graduation ceremony is one of the highlights of the year for the Detroit Fire Department. DFD members take great pride in their achievements and can't wait to get to work using their degrees to further their careers in service to the citizens of Detroit.

Chief Sean Larkins, Detroit Fire Department's Superintendent of EMS, earned his Masters of Business Administration through Cleary's Pathways to Completion program.

Firefighter Solomon Israel, a six-year member of the department assigned to Engine 40, earned his bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Cleary University in 2025 and is now graduating again this year with a Master of Business Administration.

Israel said returning to school had long been a personal goal, but balancing a fire service career and family responsibilities delayed that dream. Encouragement from fellow firefighters who had completed the Cleary program helped inspire him to enroll.

"The program was built for first responders to succeed," said Israel. "Taking one class every six weeks made going back to school manageable, and once I found my rhythm, I was able to take on even more. I want to use what I've learned in the field and in the classroom to help move the department forward in a leadership role."

Lieutenant Mary Moates, a 21-year veteran of the Detroit Fire Department's Communications Division, graduated this year with a degree in business administration focused on diversity and leadership. Moates had previously earned an associate degree in information technology and said completing her bachelor's degree was a longtime goal.

"Cleary gave me the flexibility to continue working while pursuing something I always wanted to finish," said Lt. Moates. "The classes were accessible, public safety was woven into the curriculum, and it was a great fit for someone with a demanding schedule."

She is also continuing her professional development through FEMA's emergency management programming.

Chief Hunter of the Fire Marshal Division earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree while continuing to oversee administrative operations, budgeting, policy development and team management. He said the degree directly complements his current responsibilities and will continue to benefit him throughout his career and into retirement.

"The flexibility, convenience and affordability of the Cleary program made it possible," said Hunter. "This degree strengthens the work I'm doing now and helps prepare me for the future."

The Detroit Police Department and Detroit Fire Department congratulate all graduates on this outstanding achievement and thank Cleary University for its continued commitment to Detroit's public safety professionals.