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Howard County Police Retired Officers’ Association
Briefing Notes
May 2015
The Newsletter for the HCPROA
P.O. Box 2302, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Vol. 1
no. 5
www.hcproa.com
This May issue is dedicated to the “Women of HCPD.” It also serves as
recognition and thank you to the wives of the past and present HCPD officers,
and the mothers and other women who have encouraged and supported the
officers of the Howard County Police Department.
The information in the following pages is a compilation of individual
recollections, files, and photographs of many individuals. Efforts were taken to
attempt accurate accounts of the role of women in the Department. Some
inconsistencies may exist from the actual facts.
HAPPY MOTHER’DAY! May God Bless you all!
“In the United States, women have worked in law enforcement since the nineteenth century. However, until the women's
liberal movement in the 1970s, they mostly had clerical roles or held jobs as dispatchers. Then, civil rights and affirmative
action laws enabled women to assume law enforcement jobs, which were traditionally held by men. The first women hired
by the New York City police department in the middle of the nineteenth century were called ‘matrons.’ Female officers
did not achieve full recognition for decades. In the middle of the 1970s, popular television shows dramatized female
officers and detectives but women still made up only 2% of the total police workforce. The first female police chief in
America
was
Penny
Harrington,
who
was
appointed
in
1985
and
served
in
Portland,
Oregon.”
(Source: www.questia.com)
The Howard County Police Department was right on target with the rest of the nation’s law enforcement agencies. The
first women sworn in as a police officer in 1960 was Elizabeth Maris. However, she was known and thought of primarily
as a “matron” and was assigned to office and clerical work
Pay online at:
June 13, 2015
www.hcproa.com
12 to 4:00 p.m.
See last page for details
Retired Sergeant Leila Makowski Hajek, graduated from
the Anne Arundel Police Academy in 1969, and was
immediately assigned to the Criminal Investigations
Division. She investigated both crimes against property
and persons with particular attention to those with
female victims and children. Lee
was promoted to Police Officer
First Class and remained assigned
to CID. While assigned to CID, Lee
married an academy classmate
Officer Paul Hajek. In 1975 she was
promoted to the rank of Corporal.
In 1977, Lee Hajek was assigned to
the newly formed Youth Crime
Prevention Section. Lee was extremely instrumental in
developing the Juvenile Diversion Program, and the InSchool Program for the police department. She also
played a very integral role in the development of the
Bear Trax Police/Youth Programs for HCPD.
In the early 1980’s, Lee was promoted
to the rank sergeant and was assigned
to the Patrol. A couple of years later
she was assigned to light duty in
Communications.
There
Lee
completed her career and in 1984
retired due to non-police related
medical issues. Upon her retirement,
the
Howard
County
Police
Department lost a “pioneer” of
Howard County law enforcement. We were honored to
have her served. Today, Lee cares for her horses and
dogs and relaxes in western Howard County.
In 1974, two women hired by HCPD, entered the
Baltimore
City
Police
Academy. Graduating in June
of that year, Marna Kress
McClendon and Linda Halle
Paterni, joined the pioneer
status of Lee. Linda says, “At
that time I was not really
interested in becoming a
police officer.” She was
immediately assigned to
Public Information and later gave up her sworn status to
become a civilian employee. Marna, on the other hand,
was immediately issued a uniform and was assigned to
Patrol. While Lee Hajek was still in CID, Marna holds the
distinct honor of being “the first woman assigned to
Patrol.” Marna remembers those times like it was
yesterday and says; “What do you mean they don’t have
uniforms for us?” We got shirts and hats and gun belt
and gun for graduation but had to go and purchase skirts
(basement of Hecht Co., I think) and they were SHORT!
Then the following week we got pants! With no
pocketsI…….I wasn’t going to wear one whistle dangling
off one side of the shirt! So they had to change that
SOP! The public for the most part was much more
receptive than I would have thought – I mean I had to
look strange driving around in the cruiser. Although I
remember one driver I stopped for going through a stop
sign addressed me as “honey” and proceeded to tell me
what I didn’t know. I wish I had said: “It is Officer Honey
to you,” but I never thought that fast with
comebacks. One of the most supportive, yet I’m certain
he was skeptical, was Lt. Wessel. He did everything
possible to make sure he and others treated me fairly – I
will always be grateful to that man and I believe that
made a big difference with how well I was received by my
colleagues. (It didn’t hurt that I was a good
shot!)…………..”
Marna, left HCPD and began her practice as an attorney
and later was elected as States Attorney for Howard
County. Marna Kress McClendon is now living in Arizona
with her husband Keith.
The year after Marna was hired, brought new awareness
to HCPD and Academy Class #1 (1974) enrolled Cecila
Clark Moran, and Karen Harnsberger. Both women were
assigned to Patrol. During the
latter 1970’s, HCPD became very
cognizant and aware that women
needed to be represented in each
academy class, and later given
the opportunity to serve in patrol
and the other specialties in the
Department. CeCe is now living
outside Gettysburg, PA. She is enjoying life and having
fun with her husband, Frank, and her grandchildren.
Retired Lt. Karen Matthews Burnett was the first AfricanAmerican female to graduate from a Howard County
Police Academy and the first African-American female to
be promoted to sergeant. Early in her career she married
now Ret Maj. Kevin Burnett. Karen was an active
member of the Minority
Officers
Association,
“Centurions for Justice,” and
served as the association’s
president for several years.
Her career included time in
patrol, crime prevention,
records, community services
and computer operations. She retired in 2014 as a
Lieutenant and Commander of the Information Division,
a position she held since 2009. During her tenure Karen
served as a mentor for new female recruits and officers.
Retired Captain Nancy Espey Yeager, became a sworn
police officer in 1979. She was the first female police
officer in the Howard County Police Department who
was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Nancy, had
already been known as an exemplary supervising
sergeant and was promoted to
command rank, assuming the
responsibility of a Uniformed
Division Patrol Shift Commander.
She served in Record Services,
Community Services, and as the
Deputy Commander of Southern
District. In 1993 Nancy attended the Northwestern
Institute and was distinguished with their class
Leadership Award. Also, to this date, she holds the
distinction of being the only HCPD woman to attend and
graduate from the FBI National Academy in 1994. Nancy
was soon promoted to Captain and served as the
Commander of the Northern District of the Howard
County Police Department. Nancy retired as the
Commander of the Special Operations Division in 2004.
In 2007, Nancy came out of retirement and joined the
Westminster Police Department as their first woman to
Since 1969, the Howard County Police Department has
sworn in 154 female officers. At this time it is not possible
to list all their names, accomplishments, and
contributions, however they all have served admirably,
with distinction and dedication to the Department. Each
in their own way have continued to make their mark on
law enforcement in Howard County. There is no doubt
that the Department would not have achieved the
success that it has without their presence. Collectively
they have served as patrol officers and supervisors,
detectives, specialist, technicians, and commanders.
Each and every one of them is respected by their peers
and have acted as mentors to women and men aspiring
a career in law enforcement in Howard County. We thank
all of them for their service.
hold the rank of Captain. There she assumed command
of the Administrative Bureau and later was named
Commander of Field Services Bureau. Her longtime
friend, FTO, and Supervisor, Jeffrey Spaulding,
Westminster Police Department Chief of Police (former
Ret. Maj. HCPD) states, “Nancy and I shared a love for
police work which was evident from the very first day we
rode together in field training. We quickly became
friends and shared many great experiences as young
police
officers
in
a
growing
suburban
county. Throughout my career, first in Howard County
and now in Westminster, I have relied heavily on her
candor, counsel and friendship. While we don’t always
agree, I know that she will speak from the heart and say
what needs to be said (even if it hurts…and it frequently
does) to ensure that we make the very best decision for
the organization – but always with our employees in the
forefront. She is a great friend and a true professional.”
Nancy and her husband John (veteran of HCPD) are
currently enjoying life in northeastern Maryland. To fill
her spare time, Nancy is a part-time background
investigator for the Baltimore County Police Department.
In May, 1984, Retired Captain Sandra Regler was swornin as a police officer in Howard County. Sandy was
promoted through the ranks and achieved Captain in
2002. She became the HCPD’s second female Captain.
Sandy was assigned as the Commander of the Human
Resources Bureau for 4 years and
later was appointed as the
Commander of the Northern District
of HCPD. Sandy has nothing but good
things to say about her career. She
states, “I am so grateful for my
career, the time spent on the job, and
my experiences in the County. I feel
that I was so privileged to have worked for the
Department. I have such a rich life now for having
worked for HCPD.” Sandy is living in the Baltimore area
and is thoroughly enjoying her retirement.
Retired Captain Tara Ball Nelson, was sworn as a HCPD
police officer in 1985. After time as a patrol officer, patrol
supervisor, and supervisor of Education and Training,
Tara was promoted to Captain in 2007. Tara then was
assigned as the Commander of the
Criminal Investigation Bureau and
later the Management Services
Bureau. Tara states, “I feel that my
time at HCPD was one of the best
experiences of my life. From my time
in Academy #9, through my last
assignment, I found that my male
mentors were extremely considerate, helpful and
supportive. Because HCPD was very diverse, it gave me
the opportunity for advancement and to have a very
successful career. I will always be thankful for the
opportunities given to me.” Tara is now the Director of
Security for the Rockville Campus of Montgomery
College in Maryland.
Retired Captain Karen Shinham was sworn in as a police
officer in 2007, and she reports, “I
served most of my tenure in CIB. As
Commander of CIB, I found police work
to be the most enjoyable and
rewarding job of my life. I am so
thankful and would not trade it for the
world.” Karen retired in 2009 and is
currently the Executive Director of Gaming at a casino in
California. She is now living in Palm Springs, California.
Katie Roach Ferguson was a dispatcher from 1968-1973.
Katie was hired by the County 1968 . The police station
was on Fells Lane and Russ Walters
was the Chief. Katie has many fond
memories working as a dispatcher.
She considered the officers to be her
brothers and uncles and friends. She
enjoyed Joe Collins, Bob Moore, Al
Massey, Roy Rogers and Sgt. Ed
Wessel. She also said who could ever
forget Jimmy Dawson.
When working as a dispatcher, Katie and the other
dispatchers worked only two to a shift, and they did
everything. Of course back then, everything was written
down. The Communication
Section was called the "Radio
Room." Today if you say radio
room, you will be transferred to
the radio repair shop. How times
have changed. Katie said the
reason for leaving the job was
because she became very ill at the time. She really liked
the fact that everyone came to her aid. That meant, and
still does mean, a lot to her today.
Reporter: Jody Lilley
Kathy Collins Ratliff was one of those dispatchers that
had the pleasure and experience of the Fells Lane and
Courthouse Drive Headquarters Communications
Section. Kathy, was employed by HCPD from August 1971
through January 1982. During her tenure she saw many
changes. However, she states, “It was good times. The
Department was so small that a dispatcher knew every
officer and knew the personalities of each officer. It
made for very good working relationships.” Kathy and
her husband, HCPD veteran Cliff “Kippy” Ratliff are now
living in Ellicott City, Maryland.
Vicki Medlin was hired as a dispatcher in 1971 and was
trained by Katie Ferguson and Walt Meyer. She stated,
“Those were the years when everybody was close and
knew one another. The Department was so small that
you couldn’t help but know everybody. It was my honor
to work with such great people. We were truly a
family.” Vicki left to Department in 1975 and moved to
Georgia. She is now living in West Virginia.
Debbie Dayhoff was hired in January, 1974. She has very
fond memories of her time at HCPD. “I remember the
map of the county hanging on the wall in the coat closet
size radio room. The county was divided into 7 sectors,
with a small green twinkle light, and a red one next to it
in each sector, that kept us straight on who was busy.
Our radio was the size of a bread box with a microphone
you could sit on the desk or pick up. My favorite piece of
equipment was the teletype machine. It punched out a
ticker tape with the message which had to be sent to
Pikesville. If the message was approved, they sent it to
everyone else. The radios would occasionally go out and
we would operate off a portable that we used sitting in a
police car up at the roads department rock pile where
Northern District now sits. Then there were the times
when Hoboken, New Jersey would over-ride our
transmissions, and we would know who in their
department needed to stop for bread or milk on the way
home.”
“Back in the 70's, dispatchers were assigned to a squad.
It was great. Dispatchers got to know their officers. A
simple inflection in their voice and you knew if they
were in trouble, needed another unit, or they needed
you to run everything you could on the subject they had
stopped. For the most part I think we all worked pretty
well together. I loved all 20 plus years that I worked for
Howard County. I loved the people and I loved the
work.”
Debbie is now living in Mesa, Arizona close to her
daughters Stacy and Carly.
Mark Your Calendar
October 10, 2015
HCPROA
However, truly the heartbeat of HCPD is the
“First Lady of the Howard County Police
Department.” Joan Cook was hired in 1968 as
an administrative assistant. Shortly thereafter,
Joan assumed the position of Administrative
Assistant to the Chief of Police. Joan has been
in that position for since 1975. She has served
the Department for forty-two
Remember this:
“2400hrs. Howard County Police
Ellicott City, Maryland
KGG-527.”
years and is the most tenured employee of the
Department.
Joan “Joanie” Cook is not just an employee, the
Chief’s Assistant, or just a face in the Chief’s
office. Joanie is a friend and an absolute gem. As
retirees and veterans, we may have forgotten
many things, but Joanie will never be forgotten.
She will always hold a very special place in all our
Ms. Joan “Joanie” Cook hearts.
Where does one begin when tasked with paying tribute
to the outstanding women that have served HCPD in
non-sworn roles over the years? More difficult was
deciding how to do it without overlooking anyone and
stay within space limitations. I quickly realized how many
great ladies, past and present, have served at HCPD and
decided to focus on those that are retired and most
tenured. I apologize to the many women that can’t be
mentioned. You are all unsung heroes of undeniable
value to the HCPD.
Surely it starts with Joan Cook. Joan started in 1968, and
yes, she’s still with HCPD! “Cookie” is where she feels
most at home, working in the Office of the Chief. Joan
has served in the office of every chief since G.R. Walters.
To many of us, Joanie is and will always be, a dear friend.
Brenda Williams served 34 years in a
variety of assignments, including
Records, Field Ops, Community
Services, Chief’s Office and many
years in IAD. Brenda retired in 2009.
Marilyn “Candy” Joyce served most of
her career in Records. Candy always
greeted you with a smile. Now retired,
Candy still lives in the area. Another
former Records Section retiree is Iran
Haghighat. Iran worked at HCPD for 25
years, spending all of it in Records
before retiring in 2006.
When you think E&T, you think of Sue
Klein. Still active and still in E&T, Sue
has been with HCPD for 42 years, all of
it in E&T. Sue emphasizes that 42 years
is a long time, but “I started when I was
very young”.
Sunny Arizona is home to retiree Sharon Scott. Sharon
started in 1974, coming from County HR to work in the
newly created Personnel Section with Frank Graziano.
She spent a total of 30 years with HCPD, all of it in HR
before retiring as the Personnel Supervisor. Sharon is
married to retired HCPD Lt. Greg Scott.
A fixture in the Administration suite is Pat Schumacher.
Pat has 32 years at HCPD performing
various duties including HR and
procurement. If you ever had job
related travel or ordered supplies,
chances are Pat processed the
paperwork. Pat’s other half is retired
HCPD Pfc. Bill Schumacher.
What person has spent the most time in V&N over the
years? The answer is easy, Arlene Cunningham.
Detectives come and go, but Arlene has been in V&N
since 1988. I personally worked with Arlene when I was
the lieutenant in V&N and can attest to her being the “go
to person” for everyone assigned there!
A recent retiree, Carolyn Bennett started her career in
1989 and was assigned to CIB. In
1994 she transferred to the new,
but not yet occupied Southern
District, station where she
assisted in getting it ready for the
first officers to report. She
remained at the SD Patrol office
until transferring to SOB in 2000
where she stayed until retiring in January. Carolyn now
resides on Kent Island with yours truly!
Karen Dipietro has been at HCPD for 20 plus years. After
stints in Support Services and Operations Command she
moved to Computer Ops in 1998 where she remains
today as a Technical Support Specialist. Karen has been
instrumental in bringing HCPD into the “Computer Age”.
In 1965 Emma Young joined the HCPD becoming the first
African-American
hired
by
the
Department. Emma remained for 5
years, leaving to pursue a career as
dispatcher with MSP. Now retired from
MSP, Emma returned to HCPD as a
contingent in 2005.
Mary Weber retired several years ago after a long
career with HCPD, most of it in Human Resources.
Gloria Hebert also retired from HR and has since
returned as a contingent there.
Mary Moschler started with HCPD in 1993, working with
Bill Lowery, Charlie Goodrich, Bill Laricos, and Bob Pond
in the old PD fleet garage in the lower level of the HQ
building. She moved to Property & Evidence in 1994
where she remained until retiring in 2014. She recently
returned to HCPD as a contingent in the Property &
Evidence warehouse.
Elaine Corum, Sandy Jo Sauerwein, Dee Thompson,
Karen (Boyd) Monroe, and Lynn (Poist) Watkins. Both
Karen and Lynn met their future husbands, Harry
Monroe and Tommy Watkins at HCPD. Sadly both Harry
and Tommy have since passed away. Dee worked many
years at the States Attorney’s Office and is now retired.
Sandy still works for Howard County Government.
Rachael Miller continues her long tenure working in
Community Affairs.
The list of great ladies is long; Helen Pifer, Joan Cope,
Valerie Herrington, Joan Goldberg, Sandy Timmons,
Carla James, Donna Corefield, Staci Morris, Patty Meyer,
Roberta Campbell, Tami Bulla, Terry Breeden, Jeanne
Upchurch, Ann Roach, Audrey Robinson, Tina Werbickas,
Pat Miller, Nancy Barr, Melissa Lloyd, and many more.
These dedicated women, past and present, keep the
wheels of HCPD turning, seldom getting the recognition
they deserve. Let me say it for all of us, “THANK YOU”!
Marty Bare joined the agency in 1989 and was assigned
to the Operations Bureau. Marty did tours in Special
Operations and Investigative Support before moving to
CIB where she is currently assigned to the ROPE Unit
Many of us remember the support staff from our “rookie
days” at Fells Lane; Ellen Thomas, Elaine Jones,
May 10, 2015
To All
“The Women of HCPD”
And our
Wives, Mothers, and Significant Others in our Lives
May God Bless You All
From
The Members of the HCPROA
Police Officer Terri Martin
Police Officer Jennifer Cree
Sworn in
Sworn in
August 9, 1985
November 21, 2001
End of Watch
End of Watch
February 11, 2004
November 22, 2009
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be
compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Briefing Notes Contributors
Retirees and Veterans: Lee Hajek, CeCe Moran, Marna McClendon, Linda Paterni, Karen Burnett, Nancy Yeager,
Sandy Regler, Tara Nelson, Karen Shinham, Katie Ferguson, Dave Ferguson, Kathy Ratliff, and Debbie Dayhoff, and
Vicki Medlin.
HCPD Consultants: Capt. Mary Levy, Capt. Lisa Myers, Lt. Tanya Riffle
HCPROA Consultant: Herman Charity
Next month’s issue
HCPD Historian & Photographs: Al Hafner
Special Thanks to: Mrs. Joan Cook
Poster: Kemp Freund
Reporter: Jody Lilley
Featured Columnist: Tim Branning
Copy Editors: Jean Freund & Terri Rinkinen
Editor: Frank Dawson
Father’s Day Edition