By Sheriff Gregory Tony
From – https://thewestsidegazette.com/
Reprinted – by Texas Metro News
Sheriff Gregory Tony’s March 2024 Message
In 1929, Sara Freeman was hired as a bookkeeper at the Broward Sheriff’s Office with an annual salary of $1,800. Her initial duties involved recording and organizing the agency’s financial data. Sara eventually became the jail matron, monitoring female inmates at the Broward jail. These subsequent duties led to Sara becoming BSO’s first female deputy. Deputy Freeman retired in 1946, but the legacy she left behind created opportunities for women to hold positions of power in public safety that are echoed throughout BSO today.
The representation of women in command positions has been a process. It has not always been easy, fair or fast. As sheriff, I have prioritized inclusion, fairness and equality as central tenets of our organization. When I assumed command of BSO in 2019, female representation was void at the highest ranks. Today, nearly 40 percent of our organization is comprised of women, each creating their own accomplished history and positively influencing future generations of public safety professionals. Throughout BSO, women now occupy leadership positions at the highest levels of decision and policy making—as undersheriff, chief of staff, colonels, majors, captains, fire rescue chiefs and directors.
In the spirit of our first female deputy, I want to highlight a few exceptional female firsts promoted during my administration.
Undersheriff Nichole Anderson has achieved many firsts, shattering numerous glass ceilings in her path. In 2011, she became the first Black female chief to head a district command; in 2017, she became the first Black female promoted to major; and in 2019, she became the first to attain the rank of colonel. Later that year, Colonel Anderson made history again when she became the first Black and first woman undersheriff in BSO’s history. I promoted her because of her tremendous qualifications, work ethic and leadership. I consider her promotion one of my best decisions as sheriff.
When Samantha Whitehorne initially pursued a career in the fire service, she was met with resistance. She was told no one would hire her because she was Black and a woman. Samantha took this as motivation and began her journey, earning every promotion and breaking all barriers. She became the first Black female firefighter at Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue in 2000 before the department merged with BSO. She rose to the rank of lieutenant in 2006. In 2017, she began teaching and training emergency medical workers at Broward College. In 2022, I was proud to promote Samantha to district chief in Deerfield Beach, marking the first time a Black female would hold this position.
I am equally proud of Stephanie Jacobi’s recent promotion to captain over our Special Patrol Division, which includes SWAT, the Aviation Unit, Marine Patrol and the K-9 Unit. She is the first woman to serve in this capacity. Captain Jacobi is an 18-year BSO veteran who has served in many critical roles, including as a property and violent crimes detective and hostage negotiator. She credits female mentors throughout her career for showing her what it takes to succeed. She hopes to do the same for other young women.
Dr. Debra White also has a long history with BSO. She began her career as a detention deputy in 1984. Soon after, Dr. White graduated from the police academy in 1990 and became a road patrol deputy and a school resource officer. After a decorated law enforcement career, she retired in 2015, until I encouraged her to return to BSO to share her talents once again. Now, she puts faith first, serving as our organization’s first female chaplain services manager.
These are just a few of the many incredible women of BSO who are trailblazers and role models for the leaders of tomorrow. I am honored to work alongside them. Their service and dedication to keeping our communities safe are a true inspiration.
Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
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