Delphine Baldwin-Casey
H.O.P.E. Honoree 2020

Growing up in nearby Campbell during the 1950’s and 60’s I had many dreams, one of which was helping and protecting the less fortunate and those individuals marginalized by society. In 1978, I joined the Youngstown Police Department as a police officer and was one of the first five females hired for street duty, becoming the first female patrol supervisor. After 31 years of service, I decided it was time to retire. Though retired, I couldn’t quite set my badge aside. I felt the community was still very much in need of so much more than what I was able to do throughout my time served. One need I felt and still feel passionate about is the need to improve relationships between our youth and law enforcement. Part of my execution plan to strengthen these relationships was creating multiple youth Police Academy’s across the Mahoning Valley. Teaching our youth about crime, accountability and its consequences help reduce the likelihood of our minors committing violent crimes and possibly ruining their entire future.

When I was a child, I was told by my guidance counselor that I would never be more than a waitress. I’m proud to say that I have accomplished many of the goals that I’ve set for myself throughout my journey. and as a result, I’ve had the chance to engage with so many kids all over the community. To think that I may have positively altered the life of even just one is the most rewarding gift of all. I believe, like knowing right from wrong, we are born with an instinct to help others. The younger we are when we learn this, the more years we have to practice growing into a human being with dignity and honor. That being said, I’d like to say Thank You to all who have acknowledged what I call my duty. I love the following quote by David Vitter – “I continue to believe that if children are given the necessary tools to succeed, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams.”