Cleveland’s newest police officer is making history.
Sukhvir Grewal is the department’s first officer who practices Sikhism.
In Grewal’s religion, you must have a beard.
The Cleveland Division of Police recently changed their grooming policies to allow beards, which encouraged Grewal to apply.
“It’s a moment I’ve been waiting for,” said Grewal.
“We are committed to having a diverse group of men and women who who patrol our communities. And I think this great,” said Dorothy Todd, Cleveland Division of Police Chief.
Grewal has been protecting and serving communities his whole career. His faith has guided him to serve others.
He previously worked for the Alliance Police Department and serves in the Ohio National Guard.
He also speaks four languages.
“A big component of Sikhism is selfless service. This career field does support that. You get to go out there and make a difference in the community in ways that you don’t even know,” said Grewal.
Since Grewal was already a police officer in Alliance, he went through the division’s abbreviated training process.
It’s an opportunity that’s available for other officers interested in transferring police departments