Name: Duncan Powell
Gender: Male
DOB: 22nd July 1938
State/Region: Michigan/Great Lakes
Party: Democrat
Bio:
Born in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
His family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan when he was 16 years old after his father took the position of Medical Examiner for Kent County.
Inspired by his father's work, he joined the Grand Rapids Police Department in 1959. In the next twenty years he rose to the position of detective, working homicide and vice cases. It was during 1980 when Powell interrupted an armed robbery at a convenience store. The suspect fired upon Powell hitting him in the leg twice. Powell returned fire, killing the robber. Powell was awarded for his brave actions but due to the permanent damage caused by the wounds, he could no longer work as a police officer.
Instead of allowing the injury to get the better of him, he chose to become more involved in community work, focusing his efforts in the inner-city neighbourhoods, as well as working with new migrant communities. His efforts soon drew the attention of local Democratic political powerbrokers who approached him to run for the Michigan state legislature. He agreed and ran for the 76th House District winning with 60 percent of the vote in 1984.
He is noted for not only pushing hard on the law & order issues of the day but also strongly supporting education and healthcare reform to help working families. He also continues to help out with the community outreach programs in Grand Rapids.
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