Michele Freeman began her law enforcement career in 1992 with the City of Las Vegas (CLV) Department of Public Safety (DPS) as a Corrections Officer. She served as Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and member of the department’s Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), prior to being named Deputy Chief in 2006. She was appointed Chief in 2011 and held the position for almost ten years prior to her retirement. Among numerous revolutionary changes, Michele led the CLV DPS through progressive 21st century strategies essential in contemporary law enforcement. Through Michele’s perseverance, the department added its first, dedicated, Crisis Intervention Administrator; a trained mental health professional who provides support to the department through education and counsel. Michele is a graduate of the 249th session of the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and the 206th class of the renowned Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. During her time as a public servant with CLV DPS, she received both Management and Executive Certifications from the Nevada State Peace Officer’s and Training (POST) Commission; the highest certifications awarded to sworn personnel. Michele was a Certified Jail Manager granted by the American Jail Association and served as a Commissioner for the Nevada POST Commission, appointed by the Governor. Michele earned her Doctor of Public Policy Degree which focused on Suicide Awareness and Prevention for Law Enforcement Officers, holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Master’s Certificate in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a strong emphasis in Sociology and Psychology, all from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Education, training, and mentoring are Michele’s greatest passions. Michele’s continuous dedication to resiliency, mental health, emotional health, self-care, holistic wellness, suicide awareness and prevention, and overall well-being are apparent as she currently facilitates educational programs in these areas. Michele remains an active member of numerous organizations and sits on several boards. Her time is filled with volunteering for non-profit organizations. She is recognized as a helper with a compassionate heart and her motto has remained; to lead with love. She leads by example with her commitment to developing the workforce, consistently educating herself and seeking opportunities for self-improvement.