​

​DENISE HARRELL

Denise Harrell was born on January 30, 1956, and raised in
Burlington City, New Jersey. On May 8, 1979, she graduated

from the associated business careers and on the same day

went to the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly, New Jersey

to apply for a principal clerk typist position. Denise Harrell was

hired on the spot and in time became an assistant secretary

for sheriff Brennan undersheriff Andy Soltez. In this position

she was able to hire corrections officers and other staff along

with other administrative duties.

Denise Harrell decided to advance her career and expressed her interest to
Sheriff Brennan about becoming a corrections officer. Her request was
honored and on October 1, 1981, she was in uniform! Denise Harrell
became one of the first black women to supervise 15 to 20 inmates on a
road gang.

In 1986 she was promoted to Sergeant! Denise Harrell was also chosen by
the Burlington County freeholders to participate in the law-enforcement camp
for troubled youth. For six years, two weeks out of the summer, she would
stay at various campsites to mentor the youth and received several awards
for this role.

Denise Harrell remained in the position as a corrections sergeant, until being
promoted as one of the first black women Lieutenants at Burlington County
jail, an all male facility. In 2009 she retired with honors after 31 years of
service.

In 2010 Denise Harrell joined Second Baptist Church. She is active in the
security ministry, and very active on the usher board.
Today, we want to celebrate Ms. Denise and thank her for her support,
service, and dedication to her community and church family.​

​