Susan Cory

I attribute my success to resilience, purpose, and the people who encouraged me along the way. When I first stepped into uniform 29 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined how much the profession would demand of me—or how much it would shape me. I wasn’t thinking about being “the first,” even though I was the first female police officer in my department. I simply wanted to do the job well, make a meaningful difference, and earn the trust of the community I swore to protect. But I quickly learned that doing the work and proving you belong can be two very different challenges.

My career took me places I never anticipated. The years I spent in the Drug Strike Force taught me hard, fast lessons about trust, grit, and the realities of undercover work. Later, as a sergeant in detectives, I trained new officers in drug investigations and carried forward the teamwork, discipline, and unspoken bonds forged in high-risk situations. Those experiences were demanding—physically, emotionally, and professionally—but they were also some of the most defining and rewarding moments of my career.

Before law enforcement, I was a teacher, and that foundation served me better than many might expect. Teaching honed my ability to listen, communicate with clarity, guide others, and de-escalate tense situations—skills that became essential in policing. The encouragement of colleagues, both in the classroom and in uniform, inspired me to take the leap into law enforcement, and I never looked back. Every challenge strengthened me, every setback taught me, and every experience shaped the officer—and the woman—I ultimately became.

I didn’t choose to be “the first,” but I did choose to make the path clearer and fairer for the women who would come after me. My advice is rooted in that purpose: stand for equity, respect, and opportunity—not just for yourself, but for every woman stepping into this field.

In law enforcement, or in any highly structured environment, people will test your confidence. When that happens, don’t shrink. Stand your ground. Speak up when something is wrong, and don’t allow anyone to silence you. Your career will be defined by the moments you chose to stand firm, even when it was uncomfortable.

Most importantly, know your rights and use your resources. Whether it’s the FOP, Human Resources, or professional organizations for women in law enforcement, understand who is there to support you and how those channels work. Turning to these resources isn’t complaining—it’s advocating for yourself and safeguarding your future. Empowerment comes from knowledge, courage, and refusing to let anyone else write your story for you.

Over nearly three decades, I’ve seen law enforcement evolve—body cameras, stricter protocols, and greater accountability have strengthened the profession but required constant adaptation. For women, these changes bring opportunities to lead and be recognized, while still navigating workplace cultures that weren’t built with us in mind. The key is shaping the profession from within, advocating for inclusion, and mentoring the next generation.

Integrity, courage, and service have guided every step of my life—both on and off the badge. Showing up, standing my ground, and doing right by the people I serve—including the women who came after me—has always been central to my work. Outside of law enforcement, I’ve continued a life of service through initiatives like battlefield events and Wreaths Across America, honoring those who came before us. I’ve learned that legacy isn’t something you chase; it’s something you leave behind through consistent, principled action.

Integrity Above All – The badge doesn’t define character; choices do. I’ve relied on integrity to guide every decision, from undercover work to investigative leadership. Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, is the foundation of service.

Courage in the Face of Challenge – Being the first woman in my department demanded courage long before facing danger on the streets. Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s stepping forward despite it.

Service to Community – My career has been built on a commitment to protect, serve, and uplift the community. Whether in a classroom or in uniform, my goal has always been to improve the lives of those around me.