12/14/2025
Achievement Alert…congratulations brother William Whitfield!!!
🎓HE MASTERED IT: Congratulations to Aurora’s own Will Whitfield, who crossed the stage on Saturday, December 13 at Aurora University to be conferred his MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEGREE! Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Western Illinois University and now his MPA, he is officially BLACK AND HOODED.
🎖A sworn officer for more than a decade, Will joined the Aurora Illinois Police Department (APD) seven years ago and has made a lasting impact on the force and throughout the community. His service spans community-building patrol work, mentoring students in schools, supporting neighborhood groups with vital resources, and partnering with local nonprofits, most notably the Christmas in July Drive he initiated to benefit Mutual Ground in Aurora.
Officer Whitfield is the Past Chairman of the City of Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board, a member of the Northern Illinois Chapter of NOBLE, and a proud brother of Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc..
His commitment to excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including:
🏆 2021 – APD Officer of the Year Award
🏆 2022 – City of Aurora MVP Award
🏆 2023 –Juneteenth Trailblazer Award
🏆 2024 – City of Aurora Award of Black Excellence
🏆 2024 – Boy Scouts - Everyday Hero Award
❤️While he is rightfully proud of his professional accomplishments and accolades, nothing matters more to him than being a father to his son, Isaiah, who proudly watched his dad earn his degree today—smiling big as he put on his cap . . . a powerful sign of a bright and solid future ahead.
🎉CONGRATULATIONS, OFFICER WHITFIELD, ON YOUR GRADUATION AND ON CONTINUING TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!