Demetrick Pennie

The executive director of the Texas Fallen Officer Foundation, Demetrick Pennie also serves as the president of the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation. Through these organizations, he advocates for law enforcement professionals. Demetrick Pennie is also a frequent commentator for Fox News Business, NRA TV and other media outlets and has appeared as a guest at various events such as the No More Violence Conference.

Demetrick Pennie came from inner-city Houston, Texas where violence, gang crime, drug use, and distrust of the police seemed to be a normal way of life. However, while in high school, he witnessed the murder of his female cousin and observed the subsequent police investigation which struck him deeply and launched him on his path towards work in law enforcement and social advocacy. After serving four years in the U.S. Army, Pennie aspired to continue a life in public service, so he went on an earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Midwestern State University and a master's in counseling from Prairie View A&M University; which enhanced his career as a police officer with the Dallas Police Department.

Since then, he has earned a PhD in higher education from Texas Tech University. His belief in the power of education has led him to become a strong proponent of education and led him teach at a university level on topics such as terrorism, criminal justice, ethics, and cultural diversity. Pennie has also published scholarly journals and articles about issues impacting society and law enforcement. Pennie's life experiences have cultivated him into becoming the well-respected professional that he is today.