Page 23 - March 2022

My View: A brave woman
Erin Jones, Detective
Times are tough, but so is she
National Women’s History Month is a time to acknowledge our contributions to history and society. The most selfless contribution a person can make to their community is the desire to protect and empower its people. Every day, the women of the Chicago Police Department are there, keeping watch over the city and its occupants while offering en- couragement and support. Chicago Police Officer Antoinette Alcazar is one of these brave and empowering women.
After a military coup ended Chile’s demo-
cratic government, Antoinette and her fam-
ily fled from their home to Peru, where they
lived for nearly two years while applying for
political asylum. Antoinette was eight years
old when she and her family became political refugees.
When most girls her age were having slumber parties, Antoi- nette was sharing cramped living quarters with other political refugees. Finally, after two years in Peru, Antoinette and her family were granted asylum in the U.S, where they relocated to the West Side of Chicago.
Antoinette arrived in the States unable to speak English, a challenge she quickly overcame. The journey has been tumul- tuous from the beginning, but pushing through it has been her strength.
After high school, Antoinette joined the Army Reserves and proudly served her new country. During her service, Antoinette started college and a family. Unfortunately, one of her three daughters was diagnosed with cancer at the tender age of 4, followed by a challenging divorce.
During this trying time, Antoinette dis- covered an outlet through art, using it as a way to cope and express herself. Since then, Antoinette’s art has touched and inspired so many, even seeing her through her own fight with breast cancer.
Having been the victim of a crime and feeling the desire to empower herself, An- toinette decided to become a police officer.
This enabled Antoinette to find a new strength within herself, a strength that fueled her passion to protect others.
Since becoming a police officer in 2006, Antoinette has been drawing from her own experiences and struggles to empower the people of Chicago. Antoinette has had community mem- bers seek her out throughout her career to tell her how she has positively impacted their lives.
The citizens of Chicago and her fellow officers are blessed to have such a bold and brave woman watching their backs.
Chicago Police Officer Antoinette Alcazar shows artwork she created.
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