01/22/2026
🏆The City of Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board is proud to spotlight one if it's 2026 Nia Award Recipients: WILLIAM K. WHITFIELD!
This brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. embodies his fraternity’s mantra of ‘achievement in the field of human endeavor’ as he shines like a diamond in his efforts to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, to empower the next generation, and to be the best role model his son, Isaiah, can have.
Will Whitfield is a police officer with the Aurora Police Department committed to service, mentorship, and building community trust. Raised on the West Side of Chicago and adopted by family friends, William learned early the importance of resilience and hard work, values that continue to shape his personal and professional life. William believes education, empathy, and consistent presence can change outcomes. As a young person, he invested in his future through volunteerism and involvement in youth programs and sports, where mentorship played a transformative role.
Motivated to be that same positive presence for others, William pursued a career in law enforcement with a clear purpose: to serve with integrity and uplift his community. A sworn officer for more than a decade, Will joined APD seven years ago and has made a lasting impact on the force and throughout the community. His service spans community-building patrol work, mentoring students in schools, supporting neighborhood groups with vital resources, and partnering with local nonprofits, most notably the Christmas in July Drive he initiated to benefit Mutual Ground in Aurora.
Officer Whitfield is the Past Chairman of the City of Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board and a member of the Northern Illinois Chapter of NOBLE, who has received several accolades for his work in the community, including APD Officer of the Year Award (2021), City of Aurora MVP Award (2022), Juneteenth Trailblazer Award (2023), City of Aurora Award of Black Excellence (2024) and the Boy Scouts Everyday Hero Award (2024).
Will holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Western Illinois University and recently obtain his Master of Public Administration from Aurora University, for which he was featured in an interview with Jake Hamilton Fox 32 Chicago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQOrLHXM1oQ
❤️🖤💚Support Will at the 20th Annual AAHAB Heritage Dinner on Friday, February 27, 2026 as he is recognized for his years of service to the Aurora community. Tickets are available at www.aurora.il.us/AAHAB
🙏🏾Congratulations, Will, and thank you for living in your purpose (Nia) and impacting our community in transformative ways!
Aurora Illinois Police Department
MWAC Kappa Alpha Psi
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives - NOBLE