Wilmington Police Department, sergeant recognized by state law enforcement women’s association

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Wilmington Police Department and one of its sergeants are being recognized by the North Carolina Law Enforcement Women’s Association for their support of women in law enforcement.

The association named the Wilmington Police Department its 2026 Agency of the Year, recognizing the department for its continued support of women in law enforcement and efforts to help advance their careers.

WPD Sgt. Kameko Howell was also named the association’s 2026 Woman of the Year.

Howell has been with the Wilmington Police Department for 18 years. She said women remain a small part of the law enforcement field, making it important for departments to support and encourage more women to join.

“It’s helpful to build up the women that you have and show them that they can do whatever,” Howell said. “We have an assistant chief that’s a woman, we have a deputy chief that’s a woman. It helps to show them that they can start as a cadet and rise up to these ranks as well and do whatever they want to do.”

Howell said she started with the department as a cadet in 2008 and was sworn in as an officer in 2010.