Oakwood honors first black officers on police force during Black History Month celebration

The Oakwood Police Department recognized two of their own Saturday during their first Black History Month celebration.

Officer John Murray was the first black officer hired to the department. He said he had wanted to be a police officer since he was a little boy. "I don't wake up and say, 'I'm black and I'm a police officer.' I say I accomplish a goal that I set forth and I've come to do the job to the best of my abilities."

Corporal Marquita Driskell is the first female officer and the African American officer to be promoted. She is also known among the young people in the community by her social media presence on the popular app TikTok. She said despite what people think, police officers do get out of their cars and talk to the community. "It's important now to humanize the badge, " she said. "I know and understand of all the things that happen in society, how things can be interpreted and how perception is not always positive, but it's our responsibility to get out the car and change it."

Murray and Driskell's full interview is available above. Some photos from the celebration at Mt. Zion Church in Oakwood are available in the photo gallery.

"It's obviously encouraging to me as a department head, but it's also kind of humbling to watch what they achieve for themselves," said Chief Tim Hatch. "It's nice to know we're about to serve the community that represents Oakwood in all capacities."

Rev. Dr. Emerson Ross of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

The Mt. Zion choir delivered several songs as part of the celebration.

Cpl. Marquita Driskell and Ofc. John Murray

Cynthia Banks-Edwards, who is also Driskell's aunt, spoke on behalf of the NAACP

Ofc. John Murray speaks to the crowd about his job. Murray was the first black officer to be hired at Oakwood Police.

Cpl. Marquita Driskell was the first female black officer hired in Oakwood Police. She is also the first black female officer to be promoted.

Police Chief Tim Hatch introduces Ofc. John Murray and Cpl. Marquita Driskell at the Black History Month celebration at Mt. Zion Church.

Lt. Tal Pardon of the Oakwood Police Department.

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