DEARBORN HEIGHTS — Community members and local officials from across Southeast Michigan reaffirmed their support for Wayne County Sherriff Benny Napoleon at a fundraiser, Wednesday, May 25, at a hookah lounge.

The venue was at full capacity as a sizable crowd stepped foot for the first time in the third iteration of The Lava Lounge.

As he delivered remarks of appreciation, the sheriff thanked the community, local state representatives, the mayor and business people for their trust in striving to make their neighborhoods safe.

Deputy Sheriff Mike Jaafar said the crowd’s size was a testament to the department’s executive staff and community’s support.

“Benny Napoleon has been a friend of the community since I have been a police officer and more,” he said.

Napoleon, who has been a police officer since 1975, told The Arab American News that he is “humbled” by the backing he has received.

“They have been more than generous, more than embracing,” Napoleon said. “I have been accepted as family for a long time. It’s always a place I look forward to coming to, because I see people that I know love me, that I know would love me even if I were not the sheriff. When I was a private citizen before I got back in office, they’ve always treated me the same. I love this community.”

Napoleon added that he is “very hopeful” for his re-election, but not taking “anything for granted.”