Plaque Honoring Women Tampa Police Officers Unveiled

TAMPA, FL — The first female police officer began patrolling the streets of Tampa in 1973 and now, 50 years later, the Tampa Police Department is honoring trailblazing women who overcame barriers in their pursuit of the law enforcement profession.

In a ceremony held outside Tampa Police Headquarters, 411 N Franklin St., Tampa police unveiled a plaque dedicated to the courage and determination of female police officers and saluted all women who have taken an oath to protect and serve.

Many female Tampa police officers, both past and present, were in attendance at the ceremony, including Mayor Jane Castor, the first woman to ever hold the position of chief of police in Tampa, and, representing her mother, Officer Lenora Booth, was one of the first female police officers at TPD, was Clara Reynolds, CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Other speakers included interim Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw and Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, who spearheaded the project to honor female officers during Women's History Month.