Page 51 - APRIL 2019 FOP MAGAZINE

was highlighted.
In March, however, the board looked
a bit different. Covered in Wonder Wom- an’s colors of red, blue and yellow, the board featured the faces of the “Wonder- ful Women” of the CPD. From command- ers to chiefs and deputy directors, there was no shortage of high-ranking candi- dates from whom to choose. Not surpris- ingly, Commander Hanna-Gill was one of them.
Inspiring to see women climbing the ranks
Pickens, who was put in charge of decorating the board, said the project wouldn’t have been complete without her leader’s face smiling down. “[Police work] is typically thought of as a man’s job, so to know that not only are wom- en wearing uniforms in blue, but they’re making it into the whites — it’s amazing. They’re accomplishing feats and taking opportunities that weren’t even there [for us], not so long ago,” Pickens said. “I wasn’t expecting to see so many women in the brass within the department.”
The experience of choosing the wom- en, along with finding out more about each one, was not only enlightening but inspirational for Pickens, who herself hopes to rise in the ranks someday. “It
was inspiring to see women, some who came from being just typical, basic pa- trol officers, prove that they can end up accomplishing such a high rank in the department based off their own merit and their own hard work,” she said. “It was very, very fun to learn about these women and know that I can do this, too.”
Pickens learned about the hobbies, lives and backgrounds of some of her de- partmental heroes. She discovered new ways to relate to each of them — espe- cially her boss, Hanna-Gill. “It’s amazing seeing her every day and witnessing her perseverance to make a difference in the Third District,” Pickens said. “It’s very rewarding to know and see how far she’s come and how hard she works.”
Strong female figures
For Hanna-Gill, this was precisely the point of the Women’s History Month bul- letin board project. She wanted each of- ficer who walked into roll call to be greet- ed by the “Wonderful Women” of the CPD. She wanted them to reflect on the hard work and dedication of the women who have made ranks and provided her with so much wisdom and motivation in her own career.
“I have learned from each woman on the board,” Hanna-Gill said. “My inter-
actions with each one have assisted me throughout my career, especially in my current position. It warms my heart to be among a group of other strong female figures in the department who have ma- triculated through the ranks and now are in positions to effect change.”
By raising each other up, acknowl- edging each other’s accomplishments and striving for greatness together, Hanna-Gill and other women leaders throughout the CPD are paving the way for police officers — like Pickens — who aspire to lead someday.
“I try to inspire other women on the force by leading by example and shar- ing the story of my career, which has in- cluded highs as well as lows,” Hanna-Gill said. “I encourage them to work hard, keep a positive attitude and put family first.”
The project, and the hard work that Pickens devoted to it, didn’t go unno- ticed.
“I’ve gotten quite a few emails from women who were highlighted on the board with their thanks and gratitude. I’ve also gotten words of encouragement from fellow officers in the district to keep this up,” Pickens said. “Hopefully, there will be two boards next year.”
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