Retired Lieutenant Selina Hightower

Retired Lieutenant Selina Hightower is a law enforcement and community leader with more than 28 years of public service. She began her career as a Community Service Officer with the Hallandale Beach Police Department before joining the Hollywood Police Department, where she served for 24 years and made history as the department’s first African American female Sergeant and Lieutenant. She retired in 2022 after a career dedicated to leadership, community engagement, mentorship, and building stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Selina earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Union Institute & University and remains deeply committed to service beyond the badge. She was named the 2026 Big Sister of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County and received the 2026 Florida Memorial University Catalyst for Change Community Partner Award for her commitment to mentorship and expanding opportunities for female criminal justice students.

Her community involvement includes serving as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County and the PreCision Girls Mentoring Program, as well as a Wish Granter with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Her service reflects a longstanding commitment to mentoring young people, empowering women and girls, and giving back to the community.

Within FAWLEP, Selina serves as Sergeant-at-Arms, Co-Chair of the Public Relations/Social Media Committee, and a member of the Events and Conference Committee. She is passionate about FAWLEP’s mission and committed to mentorship, representation, professional development, and creating pathways for the next generation of women in law enforcement.

Her guiding principle is: “To whom much is given, much is required.”