Trailblazing Women In Law Enforcement Reunite In The Bay Area

REDWOOD CITY, CA — At a recent event, two women known for breaking the glass ceiling in San Mateo County law enforcement reunited.

Two decades ago, then-Sergeant Joni Lee of the South San Francisco Police Department and Officer Diana Villegas of the Redwood City Police Department pointed to their service hash marks. Lee at the time had served 30 years and Villegas had served five.

Two decades later, Lee has retired after a 31-year career and was the first woman to be a police officer in South San Francisco after being sworn in on June 6, 1980, according to RCPD officials.

Villegas has gone on to serve 25 years with RCPD and is now the longest-tenured woman to served as a Lieutenant in the department history.

The Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Training Symposium will take place Sept. 2-5 in San Diego.