Sergeant R. Park broke new ground this week by becoming the first Asian American woman lieutenant in the 150-year history of the Baltimore County Police Department.
On September 17, Police Chief Robert O. McCullough announced the promotion of 24 members of the department at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore. Among the promoted officers was Sgt. Park, now Lt. Park, who has been demonstrating fierce dedication in her 14 years of service.
“Promoting individuals like Lt. Park demonstrates how hard work and dedication are rewarded in our Department and highlights our commitment to supporting a diverse workforce,” praised Chief McCullough in a statement.
Park’s promotion is a part of a much larger movement within the department. In its effort to cultivate a diverse workforce, the county has also celebrated the advancement of the department’s first Latino Major and the first Jamaican-born Forensic Lab Director in the past year.
In these historic moves, the department makes significant strides towards breaking the barrier between the police force and the community by fostering a workforce that mirrors the diversity of the community it serves, Hoodline reported.
Lt. Park saw this need for diverse representation in the field as a call to action when she joined the department in 2010. At the time, she was making history as the county’s first Asian American woman police officer.
“I see the rift between Asians and police officers…and I’ve seen how they interacted with my parents and it’s not very nice,” she said in an interview upon joining the police force in 2010. “I just know there’s a lot of mistrust between Asians and police officers, and I just want to break that barrier and be there for the community.”
Lt. Park’s promotion is a significant milestone for the Asian American community. As she continues to bridge the bridge the gap between the police force and the public, she serves not only as a lieutenant but also as a passionate advocate for her community.
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