Women in the NYSP

Although the campaign that resulted in the creation of the New York State Police in 1917 was led by two women, Moyca Newell and Katherine Mayo, it was not until 56 years later that the first female recruits would enter the academy. In 1974, Carol Johnston, Carol Desell, Maureen Tuffey, and Regina Robbins were the first women to become New York State Troopers. They are pictured here with Superintendent William Kirwan at graduation. Today there are 419 women that are sworn members and 70 of them are in supervisory positions.

Colonel Deborah J. Campbell, Division Headquarters

I am currently completing my 24th year of service with the New York State Police, where I oversee the Human Resources Section. This job has not only provided me with a wonderful career, but, has allowed me to balance work with the responsibility of being a mother to my two children.

I have benefited from the variety of assignments I’ve held and was even able to receive my Master’s degree through a program offered by the State Police. But, the best part about being a New York State Trooper is the strong sense of camaraderie you feel by being part of such a great organization.

Major Patricia M. Groeber, Troop G Commander

I have been a member of the New York State Police since 1986 and currently serve as the Troop G Commander. I have had the privilege of serving in many capacities during my career in both the uniform force and in the Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

If I could say anything about this job to people considering this as a career, I would highlight the opportunities it affords you, the tremendous challenges presented and the sense of accomplishment for what we do everyday. I can not speak for anyone but myself but I have my "dream job" as Troop Commander and I could not be more proud of the people I work with here in Troop G.

Lieutenant Pamela Sharpe, Division Headquarters

In 1978 Lieutenant Pamela Sharpe was appointed to the New York State Police as one of the first nine women hired – and the first African-American female. Currently, as the Lieutenant in charge of Member Hiring in the Office of Human Resources, she is assigned to Division Headquarters in Albany, New York, and manages all State Police hiring of sworn positions. She is the author of The History of the New York State Police 1917 – 1987, the first complete history of the New York State Police.

Lt. Sharpe attributes her selection of a career in law enforcement to her desire to serve her community and to encourage others to seek the challenges and rewards of this profession.

Investigator Damaris Abrams-Jones, Troop NYC

My name is Damaris Abrams-Jones and I am an Investigator currently assigned to the Criminal Squad located in NYC. I chose my occupation with the New York State Police for its distinctive reputation, unlimited career opportunities and job security. The versatility within the New York State Police has afforded me the flexibility to balance my professional career as well as my family life with my husband and two daughters. The past six and a half years have been the most challenging, yet rewarding in that it has positively affected my life in a way that no other profession could have. I look forward to the future challenges and experiences with my family at the New York State Police.

Investigator Kelly Strack, Troop G Forensic Identification Unit

I'm an investigator assigned to the Troop G Forensic Identification Unit commonly referred to as the FIU. The FIU is a support unit that assists the State Police, Sheriff's Dept's and local police agencies with the documentation, collection, preservation and processing of physical evidence and crime scenes. I became interested in this type of work while working in a complaint station. I believe that law enforcement is a business and that we need to provide excellent customer service to our complainants. So after making numerous requests for the FIU to process burglary scenes, it was suggested that I become trained as a Crime Scene Technician. After assisting the FIU with my first homicide, I knew that this was the type of work I wanted to do. I truly feel blessed to be a member of the Troop G Forensic Identification Unit and the New York State Police.

Technical Sergeant Kathy Sweeney, Aviation Unit Albany

I have been in the New York State Police for 12 ½ years and have been in the Army National Guard for 19 ½ years. After I graduated from St. Lawrence University and then from Army Flight School, I was looking for a challenging career...something out of the ordinary. The State Police provided an unbelievable opportunity to combine my love of flying with public service. The NY State Police Aviation Unit provides a number of services to the people of New York State. Those missions include, but aren't limited to: Law Enforcement, Medical Evacuation, Search and Rescue, Marijuana Searches, transport of MRT, Scuba Divers and Canine Handlers to a scene and transport of state government officials.

Even if I wasn't a pilot, this would have been the ultimate career choice. The opportunity for advancement and variation of assignments are endless. It's always exciting regardless of your rank or unit and the overall job satisfaction is outstanding.

Trooper Diane Trickey, Troop C

I joined the New York State Police in 2002 and had no idea what I was in for or the opportunities that I would soon be presented with. I was selected as a Field Training Officer and was responsible for training new recruits. In 2006, I was accepted as the Troop C, Zone 3 Canine Handler. I traveled to Cooperstown where I trained with my K9 partner ‘Mac’. ‘Mac’ is a three year old female German shepherd who is trained in explosive detection, tracking and handler protection. In this assignment I travel to various events in the Troop including responding to critical incidents, searches and public relations special events.

I never believed I would have had the opportunity to be a K9 handler for the State Police.

I can not imagine having another career as rewarding as this.