BELOIT, Wisconsin —In a historic swearing in and badge pinning ceremony at Beloit College’s Eaton Chapel on Monday, Schonella Stewart became the first woman to hold the position of Chief of Police for the City of Beloit. Her twin sister, Evanston Police Chief Schenita Stewart, and her mother, Marion Stewart-Moss, were at her side when the chief’s badge was presented to her by Beloit Police Department Capt. Daniel Molland.
Schenita Stewart pinned her sister’s badge, adding a deeply personal dimension to the ceremony and highlighting the shared pride and support that were instrumental in Schonella’s advancement over nearly two decades in law enforcement.
The newly appointed chief received a standing ovation from a large crowd that filled the chapel on a cold, wintry night with steady snowfall. The audience included family members, friends, colleagues, and community members from both Beloit and Evanston, where the Stewart children were born and raised,
When Schenita was invited to the microphone, she focused on her sister’s leadership qualities, rather than the accolades Schonella received during her rise through the ranks at the Oak Park Police Department before being appointed chief at the Beloit Police Department.
“Recognition has never been her pursuit, though her impact is undeniable,” Schenita said about her sister. She described Schonella’s approach to her new role “not as a position of power, but as a responsibility to protect, uplift and serve.”
Schenita emphasized that the foundation provided by their mother inspired Schonella’s love of service and teamwork. “Our mother came to this country with nothing but a dream,” she said, “and taught us pride in ourselves, humility in our actions and belief in our limitless potential.”
Schonella expressed her gratitude for all the people in the room, giving special thanks to the Beloit City Council, police and fire commissioners, Beloit Police Department, Beloit College and “the police from cities, towns and villages here to support me.”…