Cheryl Fridley
Cheryl Fridley is a retired Police Lieutenant from the City of Rochester with a distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement and more than four decades of experience in security and public safety. From a young age, she was determined to pursue a career in policing—despite it being uncommon for women at the time—and spent over a decade working in various security roles before earning her place in the department. Rising through a male-dominated profession, she ultimately achieved the rank of Lieutenant, becoming one of the highest-ranking women in her department and paving the way for others to follow.
Throughout her career, Cheryl developed a leadership style grounded in integrity, resilience, and leading from the front. Drawing from both positive and challenging experiences with leadership, she committed herself to mentoring and supporting those who came after her, particularly women navigating similar obstacles. She takes great pride in the success of the officers she led—many of whom advanced into supervisory positions and specialized units such as SWAT—and measures her impact not by rank, but by the growth and respect of her team. Her work with the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) further reflects her dedication to handling mental health crises with care and professionalism.
In retirement, Cheryl continues to serve the profession through teaching, mentorship, and advocacy for first responder wellness. She instructs at the police academy, delivering foundational training to new recruits, and has spent over a decade as a certified New York State security instructor with Blackhawk Training and Security. She also remains active in supporting the mental health of law enforcement officers through organizations like Code 4 Alpha. Outside of her professional life, Cheryl is deeply involved in her community, her faith, and events like the Police Unity Tour, honoring fallen officers. Her enduring mission is to leave a legacy of strong leadership, compassion, and lasting influence on the next generation.
• SUNY Brockport
Bachelor of Science - BS
• Code 4 Alpha
• Blackhawk Security Training
• Police Unity Tour
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence and resilience, especially working in a male-dominated field where opportunities and mentorship were not always readily available. I learned valuable lessons from both strong leaders and difficult ones, which helped shape my own leadership style. Finding a mentor later in my career—and ultimately becoming one—was pivotal. I’ve always believed in leading from the front, supporting my team, and developing others so they can grow, succeed, and confidently lead on their own.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If this career is your passion, go for it. Surround yourself with supportive, trustworthy people and always keep your “why” at the forefront—something as simple as writing it down and revisiting it can keep you grounded. Maintain your standards, stay true to your values, and focus on doing what is right, even when it’s not the popular choice. This profession requires strength and integrity, and those qualities will carry you far.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges we’re facing is a significant decline in recruitment, along with negative public perception fueled in part by media portrayals. There is also a noticeable lack of strong, authentic leadership and growing concerns around officer safety and external influences on the profession. At the same time, there is a real opportunity to invest in mentorship programs that develop leaders from within. By focusing on leadership development, officer wellness, and proper training, we can strengthen the profession and better support those who serve.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me are honesty, integrity, and a genuine commitment to caring for others. I believe strongly in leaving things better than I found them, whether that’s within an organization or in someone’s life. Supporting others, doing the right thing, and staying grounded in faith and family are central to who I am, both professionally and personally.