09/05/2025
What a huge accomplishment to a very Awesome person! Very proud of our friend. Congratulations Sergeant Pierla!
Congratulations Sergeant Pirela! Thank you for all you do! We appreciate you.
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❤️🖤💚AURORA’S OWN SERGEANT STARR PIRELA STEPS INTO HISTORY: APD Sergeant Starr Pirela (center) was celebrated this week in a promotional ceremony as she was officially recognized as a Sergeant in the Aurora Police Department, making her only the third Black woman in the department’s history to achieve this distinction.
She was joined at the celebration by the two other history-making trailblazers:
🎖Retired Commander Liz Robinson-Chan (left), the first Black woman promoted to sergeant in 2012.
🎖Sergeant Skyy Calice-McDowell (right), promoted earlier this year in 2025, the second Black woman to hold the rank.
Raised primarily on Aurora’s eastside and graduated from West Aurora High School, Sergeant Pirela has dedicated 17 years to law enforcement, leaving an incredible mark both locally and beyond. Within APD, she has been a true trailblazer, becoming one of the department’s first Drug Recognition Experts. She has also served as a Field Training Officer, DUI Instructor, and in multiple other leadership roles that reflect her unwavering commitment to public safety.
Beyond her professional milestones, Sergeant Pirela’s impact extends into the community. She has inspired and mentored young women through the Girls Run The World Aurora, IL program, empowering high school girls to dream big, pursue success, and break barriers just as she has done.
🎉Congratulations Sergeant Starr Pirela! Your hometown is proud of you!
All three of these trailblazing women are members of the Northern Illinois Chapter of NOBLE
📸Photo Credit: APD Officer Will Whitfield, fellow NOBLE member and former Chairman of the Aurora African-American Heritage Advisory Board.
Aurora Illinois Police Department
West Aurora School District 129
West Aurora High School
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives - NOBLE