A momentous milestone has been reached in Boston’s history by its Haitian community.
Kerline Désir has made history by becoming the first Haitian-American woman to attain the rank of sergeant in the Boston Police Department (BPD).
A landmark event took place on Friday, June 6, at the Kroc Center’s auditorium in Uphams Corner, where a ceremony celebrated the promotion of 13 BPD officers. Among these newly elevated sergeants, one officer made history: Kerline Désir, who officially became the department’s first-ever female sergeant of Haitian descent.
At 35 years of age, Désir was the youngest officer promoted that day, but the symbolic significance of her achievement resonated deeply. “When you’re focused on achieving your goals, you don’t necessarily consider the broader implications,” she reflected after the ceremony, as reported by Dorchester Reporter. “Now realizing I’m the first Haitian supervisor—it demonstrates how our department is evolving in terms of diversity; showing that women from diverse backgrounds are ascending to leadership positions. I’m honored to serve as an inspiration for young girls… and I aim to continue making them proud,” she expressed during the ceremony, which was attended by prominent city officials, including Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune.
Désir emphasized the broader impact of her promotion: “Representation is crucial, and our community takes great pride in this achievement,” she stated. “They appreciate seeing positive representation and leadership from within our community. I believe the Haitian community is supporting me through their prayers… and I’m deeply thankful for their backing,” the newly appointed sergeant shared emotionally.
While Désir’s achievement marks a first for Haitian-American women, she isn’t the first officer of Haitian descent to reach this rank.
Sgt. Berlino Felix, also of Haitian heritage, received his promotion during the same ceremony. Veteran BPD officer Sgt. Eddy Chrispin, a respected Haitian-American figure in Boston, celebrated this milestone, pointing out that the department now has four sergeants of Haitian descent, including Sgt. Jean Jean-Louis, according to Dorchester Reporter.
During the event, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox underscored the vital importance of sergeants. “Sergeants occupy the most crucial frontline supervisory positions within the BPD,” he explained, noting their responsibilities include correcting errors, implementing discipline, and providing support to patrol officers and detectives in the field. “Your daily presence is essential in ensuring they’re mentally prepared for their duties,” he emphasized.
Désir’s journey began in Roslindale, where she was raised and educated in Boston Public Schools. After graduating from West Roxbury High School, she pursued criminal justice at MassBay Community College. Her law enforcement career started at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department as a corrections officer before she transitioned to the Boston Police Department, initially serving in East Boston before moving to District B-3 in Mattapan.
Her visibility in the community increased significantly after joining the department’s Community Service Office, where she actively participated in numerous local meetings and events. Her most recent role was serving on the dignitary protection team at BPD headquarters.
Speaking about her policing philosophy, Désir emphasized its foundation in community engagement—a perspective shaped by her early years in Roslindale. During those formative years, she found mentorship in Officer Elvis Garcia, a respected figure from District E-5.
“Elvis was a true community champion,” she reflected. “He provided guidance and advice… He’s been a constant support throughout my journey,” she shared with Dorchester Reporter.
Désir also acknowledged other key figures who influenced her career path, including Deputy Superintendent Nora Baston and Officer Cynthia Brewington.
“This profession presents various experiences—both positive and challenging—that broaden your perspective,” she noted. “However, our fundamental purpose remains serving the community.”
Beyond her police work, Kerline Désir manages a youth arts program, an initiative she established prior to joining law enforcement.
The June 6 ceremony also saw several other officers receiving sergeant promotions, including Kenisha Benjamin, Peter Cabrera, Donald Caisey, Francis Ciampa, Matthew Conley, Patrick Foley, Vance Mills, Veritta Pitts, Eric Schmidt, Lisa Venus, and Matthew Wyman—many boasting over two or three decades of service.
The ceremony’s most vibrant moments came from the Boston Haitian community’s expressions of pride. Following the formal proceedings, attendees gathered around a raised Haitian flag—with Désir and Felix at the center—celebrating this historic milestone.
“As supervisors, we become natural mentors to young officers,” Kerline Désir reflected. “That’s why it’s crucial to have more diversity—particularly more women—in these leadership positions,” she explained to Dorchester Reporter.
While Sergeant Désir’s journey toward higher ranks continues, her promotion represents a significant milestone for a community currently facing challenges under President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policy.
BPD gives a nod to history — New sergeant is Haitian American woman | Dorchester Reporter
