Lt. DeSarro Salutes Her Courageous Foremothers in La Mesa Police Force

Angela DeSarro learned of her promotion from sergeant to lieutenant in the La Mesa Police Department on Dec. 22.  But Thursday, a day after being announced as the highest-ranking woman in the city police force, she preferred to recall others who came before her.

“There have been several outstanding and very courageous female officers that have worked here over the years,” DeSarro said. 

She cited Tudy Gallaway as the first female police officer in La Mesa history, hired in 1976. 

“Gallaway worked for LMPD until about 1983, when she was a lateral officer to another agency outside of California,” DeSarro said.  “She is expected to retire sometime this year.”

The first female police sergeant in East County, hired in 1977, was Glorie Sacco, DeSarro said.

She also remembered La Mesa Officer Christine Rath, hired in 1980, who served for 23 years. Rath died of cancer in April 2003.

“I think females offer a unique perspective in our profession, and all of the ones that I have worked with and tried to emulate have been extraordinarily courageous, conscientious and selfless in their dedication to the people of La Mesa and to this department,” DeSarro said via email.

She said she felt feel very honored to have become the first female lieutenant in La Mesa’s history and is excited “to become part of the Police Department’s management team in order to assist [Chief Ed Aceves] and the entire staff in providing the most professional and effective police services to our community.”

She called her new job a tremendous responsibility and express thanks for the trust Aceves placed in her.

“I very much look forward to working with my colleagues in this new role,” she said. “All of my family, friends and co-workers have been very supportive.