Deputy Chief Rebecca Thompson
SYRACUSE -- The new Syracuse Police and Fire chiefs, were sworn-in Tuesday. But that wasn't the only oath of office given. In fact, one woman's new position, inside the police department is historic.
Rebecca Thompson, a 23 year veteran of the police department, was sworn in as the first female deputy chief. Her story is inspiration for other female officers in the department.
Out on the streets of Syracuse, seeing female officers on patrol is not a rare sight. Officer Talisha LaGrange has been on the force for 4 years. Even though she's small in stature, she says that's not what matters when it comes to policing.
Talisha LaGrange said, "Basically you just have to show your police presence. You have to show them you are in charge and that it is important for them to listen to what you have to say because what you're doing, you're doing for a reason."
She's learned from one of the best in the department. Her former captain, is Rebecca Thompson. Thompson was sworn in today as the city's first female deputy chief.
Deputy Chief Thompson said, "In the 23 years I've had the department, I've seen a lot of strides made to recognize the contributions females can bring to police work."
Thompson says most of the female officers are doing that police work by interacting with the community everyday while out on patrol. She admits, it's not easy work but says it's rewarding. "The shift work and the time away from family, it's all difficult. But I'm very dedicated to my work as are all the men and women in the Syracuse police department."
Deputy Chief Thompson hopes her example will help lay the ground work for others to climb the ladder, especially women. She said, "I would like to see more females. I think they bring a true gift to the job. There is a good element there. So we'll see."
For Officer LaGrange, she says seeing her captain get rewarded for all her hard work gives her inspiration and motivation to continue serving the community.
She said, "You see her and you say maybe I can strive to do as well as her. It makes you work toward a higher goal because you see her and she can do it."
Thompson said, "If you have the ability and desire to serve people, that's all it really takes. We'll help with the rest."
Deputy Chief Thompson may be the first female to be in that role, but likely wont be the last.
