From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Bennett, Norvel
(born: 1892 - died: 1945) Norvel Bennett was a sergeant with the Indianapolis, IN Police Department when he died in 1945, having served since 1925; he was one of the few African American men on the force from 1925-1945.In 1929 Bennett received two citations, one for helping capture a burglar found after hours in a Kroger store. Bennett also received a citation for helping solve several cases in 1942 and was appointed an investigator of the detective department. He was promoted to sergeant in 1944.
Bennett was a native of Princeton, KY. A veteran of World War I, he served in France as a corporal with the 436th Engineers. He was the husband of Eula Bennett. Before becoming a police officer, he was a clerk and janitor in Indianapolis [source: Indianapolis City Directory, 1918-1926].
For more see "Sergeant Norvel Bennett," Indianapolis Recorder, 9/22/1945, p. 1; and "Chief Worley commends officer," Indianapolis Recorder, 3/9/1929, p. 1.
