This past Saturday, September 12, we celebrated National Police Woman Day. Thank you for your dedication, service, and the example you set for future generations! Below are some reflections from our members.
City of Oneida Police Department
(Left to right) Officer Amelia Bowman-McCoy, Officer Sarah Carter, Officer Keira Mahoney, and Officer Kelsey Milana.
“I was inspired to become a police officer because I’ve always been someone who enjoys taking on challenges, pushing myself, and becoming the best version of myself. When I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, I knew it would challenge me both personally and professionally, while also giving me the opportunity to serve my community and make a positive difference. This profession requires dedication, discipline, and responsibility. I believe the challenges that come with this career will allow me to continue growing while giving me the opportunity to help and protect others.”
— Officer Bowman
“Having more women in policing shows the community, especially young people, that just because they see more men than women doing certain jobs, that does not mean they can’t do it. It shows that if a person has the right work ethic and attitude, they too can do whatever career they’re passionate about.
I have been lucky to have several women officers to help show me what it looks like to be a professional and respected member of the department. They have set the tone of how women officers are perceived by the community and shown that women officers can also handle the tough, important situations that male officers do.”
— Officer Mahoney
“I think women representation in male dominated fields is a very important thing, especially when it comes to police work. As an officer I deal with many different situations and have been trained to de-escalate them. Working with female victims is something I do often and as a woman I am able to connect with these individuals and help them feel more comfortable in an already hard situation. This reflects well on the department as we are able to handle many different situations with respect and compassion.
When I think of a woman officer to highlight the first person that comes to my mind is Officer Carter. When I first started at Oneida PD, Officer Carter helped train me and always answered any questions I had. I’ve gone on calls with her and have seen how well she interacts with our community. I look up to her as an officer and am very thankful I have the pleasure of working alongside her.”
– Officer Milana
Town of Carmel Police Department
Sergeant Michelle Yeager
“Women and men in the police academy receive the same training but we learn from and offer different perspectives. Women bring certain life experiences to the department that our male counterparts will never have. This alternate perspective leads to a more well-rounded squad of police officers because both male and female perspectives and experiences are represented on calls for service and within the department.
I have always been extremely close to my dad who was a police officer for almost 30 years. I was raised in a home where I was encouraged to learn life skills so I could be independent, think for myself and to solve problems. I wanted to make a difference by using my critical thinking skills to be a problem solver for my community as a police officer and for the department as a Patrol Sergeant.”
— Sgt. M. Yeager
Town of Cicero Police Department
“As a female officer, I hope my career can serve as an example to other women and young girls that they can be strong, confident, compassionate leaders and pursue careers that may not have traditionally been seen as roles for women. I’m proud to have been a trailblazer in my family and in my agency, and I hope to continue opening doors for those who come after me.
Within my agency, I was the first full-time female Police Officer, first female Police Instructor, first female Midnight Shift Officer, first female Road Patrol Sergeant, and first female Administrative Sergeant. I also became the agency’s first Drug Recognition Officer (DRO). Each of these positions presented its own challenges and opportunities, and I am proud to have demonstrated that women can successfully serve and lead in every aspect of law enforcement.
Throughout my career, I have also received multiple Traffic Safety Awards, multiple Life Saver Awards, multiple Awards of Merit, and have been recognized as Officer of the Year. While I am honored by these recognitions, some of my most meaningful accomplishments have been the opportunities to help people, mentor others, contribute to my agency, and serve my community.
Being the first woman in several of these positions has never been about simply being the first. It has been about showing what is possible and creating opportunities for the women who come after me. I am proud of the career I have built, the barriers I have helped break, and the example I hope to set for future female officers and leaders in law enforcement.”
— Sgt. Smith
From the Chief’s Perspective
Women in law enforcement play an important and growing role in strengthening the relationship between the Cicero Police Department and the Cicero community they serve. Their presence brings valuable perspectives, experiences, and communication styles that can positively influence both policing and community engagement within the town and North Syracuse Central School District.
They often serve as strong role models for young people, demonstrating that leadership, courage, professionalism, and public service are open to everyone. Through school programs, community events, neighborhood outreach, and everyday interactions with residents, these officers help build trust and encourage positive relationships with the Police Department.
Women in law enforcement also contribute significantly to victim advocacy, officer wellness, crisis response, investigations, youth engagement, and community-oriented policing. Their ability to communicate effectively and approach difficult situations with professionalism and empathy can help resolve conflicts and make residents feel more comfortable seeking assistance.
Overall, the Cicero Police Department is seeing an increase in the number of women pursuing and being hired for police positions. This trend reflects the growing role of women in law enforcement and the valuable perspectives they bring to the department and the community. Most importantly, women officers are an integral part of the Cicero Police Department’s commitment to providing professional, fair, compassionate, and effective police services. Their daily contributions strengthen the department internally while helping create a safer, more connected Cicero community.
— Steve Rotunno, Chief of Police
Town of Cicero Police Department