Happy National Police Women's Day to all the active and retired policewomen! Thank you for your service!

 National Police Women’s Day is celebrated each year on September 12. The day acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of female police officers who enforce law and order around the country. We honor those who paved the way for future generations of women in this profession. Today only roughly 10% of the police force in the U.S. is made up of women. National Police Women's Day hopes to rectify that by encouraging more women to join the service. 

Just a little history here, in 1910 Alice Stebbins Wells was the first female police officer to have arrest powers when she was hired by the Los Angeles Police Department, although she wasn't allowed to carry a gun.  In 1915, Alice was responsible for starting the International Policewomen's Association after other cities and countries started hiring female officers.  She was promoted to Sergeant in 1934, and she retired in 1940.  Alice Stebbins Wells passed away in 1957.  She is remembered for having "fought for the idea that women, as regular members of municipal police departments, are particularly well-qualified to perform protective and preventative work."  Thanks, Alice, for blazing the trail!

A big shoutout to our own female officers here at the Stroud Area Regional Police Department:

Chief- Jennifer Lyon

Detective Sergeant- Susan Charles

Detective Corporal- Emily Raymond

Patrol Officer- Shanellie Sosa

Be sure to thank them for their service to the department and the community!