Raising the Bar

This piece was originally published in the December 2019 - March 2020 issue of our journal, Vol. 5, Issue 3: Pioneers.

Raised in Leland, Mississippi, by her enlightened and encouraging grandmother, Rochell Staten knew from a young age that she could do and become anything she wanted.

“My grandmother wanted nothing but the best for me, and she made sure that education was a priority,” Rochell says. “Her believing in me […] made me believe in myself even more.”

As a senior in high school, earning good grades and with only one year of track and field under her belt, Rochell landed a full four-year athletic scholarship to Mississippi Valley State University. But despite her love for track and field and the college life, at the young age of nineteen, she became a military wife and chose to travel the world.

“I have traveled everywhere and saw the most amazing places and was still granted an opportunity to get my education in the meantime,” Rochell says.

After years of moving around, the town of Dyersburg, Tennessee, became the new place she called home after Rochell and her husband separated.

“When I arrived in Dyersburg, it was a fresh start, a new beginning. I was divorced and a single mother,” Rochell remembers. “But this is where law enforcement found me. I took the test, not really knowing what was destined and in store for me.”

“It’s a blessing to have people in your corner but also to share their knowledge and teach me how to be a great supervisor as well.”

— Rochell Staten

After four years on the Dyersburg police force, in 2004 Rochell transferred and joined the Jackson Police Department.

“I chose to continue law enforcement because it is all about making a difference and protecting those who can’t protect themselves, especially the older people and children,” Rochell explains. “I love making people feel safe, which is my job. It’s not easy and not created for everyone, but it fits me well.”

Guided by her determination and influence to make Jackson-Madison County a better place, Rochell became the JPD’s first female African American Sergeant in the Patrol Division in 2015.

“I have always had amazing people at JPD to have my back,” she says with gratitude. “It’s a blessing to have people in your corner but also to share their knowledge and teach me how to be a great supervisor as well. I am beyond blessed.”

Rochell’s hard work didn’t stop there. On August 22, 2019, she was the first woman of color to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the Patrol Division at the JPD.

“As a kid, I always wanted to make history to be first in something, and accomplishing these goals makes me want to go harder regardless of my age,” she says. “I am a proud soon-to-be fifty-two-year-old woman.”

“Never let anyone tell you your limitations, whatever your dreams are….Do it and live it.”

— Rochell Staten

This proud grandmother has also received her International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) Professional Card in June 2018 at the Team Universe competition in New Jersey.

“I have a team of people who supported me from the beginning of my fitness journey, and I have to give a huge thank you to Charlie Griffin and Cindy Caudy. They are helped mold me into who I am today. I am forever grateful.”

“Patrol is the first to respond, the lifeline of the department. We don’t think twice to save you. No hesitation, we will come and protect you.”

— Rochell Staten

Rochell started competing in bodybuilding in 2012 and now holds fifteen placing trophies and medals.

“Never let anyone tell you your limitations, whatever your dreams are…. Do it and live it,” Rochell encourages. “If you are waiting on the right time, you are wasting time. The time is now.”

Rochell continues to express how having goals and faith will win every time.

“Faith won’t let you fail. Cut your naysayers short and go after your blessings. Your blessings may help or encourage others as well.”

Rochell’s small stature and contagious smile are only a fracture of what makes her stand out in a crowd. She cares about her community and wants to continue to make Madison County a beautiful and sound place to live in.

“Patrol is the first to respond, the lifeline of the department,” she says with confidence. “We don’t think twice to save you. No hesitation, we will come and protect you.”

Asanta Brooks is an author and freelance writer. Her passion for writing stemmed from creating and illustrating comic strips as a child, which lead to her becoming involved with the high school paper and excelling as a feature writer for her college paper. She resides in Jackson with her adorably energetic four-year-old son, Alex.

Photography by Earnest Mitchell.