Women's History Month : Women in Red & Blue

Valdosta Police Department Captain Patricia McGriff can recall the exact moment that a career in law enforcement piqued her interest. It wasn't as she was growing up like many of her colleagues– it was much later in life. McGriff describes that moment as an idea that came on suddenly. She was walking down Toombs Street and saw members of the Police Department outside in the parking lot setting up for the physical fitness test as part of the hiring process. McGriff decided to walk up and try it out. At this point in her life, she was a stay-at-home mom raising a six-year-old, but little did she know that this decision would lead to a lifelong career that has now spanned more than 33 years. 

When joining the Police Department in the late 1980s, Captain McGriff remembers being one of only several females on the force. "I believe when I started, there were only about four to five women at the Valdosta Police Department. That was in 1988 – so we have come a long way, and we still have a long way to go, but we are getting there!" she said.

With close to 60 females on staff – McGriff says she is proud to see how far the Department has come. "I am proud of the fact that we have so many women at the Valdosta Police Department. Every time I see a young lady, I tell them to join us. We need them!"

McGriff says the work environment is what keeps her passion for the job alive. "It's like a family here. I love coming to work and socializing with my coworkers. When I leave my home, I feel like I'm coming to my second home. I love it."

McGriff is currently ranked as a Captain, a title that makes her incredibly proud. McGriff has worked her way through the ranks – starting as a patrol officer then was promoted to Sergeant and Lieutenant become taking on her current position in 2002. As Captain, McGriff oversees the 'A-Shift' road patrol as a supervisor for one lieutenant and two sergeants and sixteen patrol officers.

McGriff believes that having females on the force brings many advantages. "Females bring communication skills; they can talk to citizens and empathize with them." She hopes that her longevity with VPD encourages women to consider law enforcement as a career. "I hope it shows other people that this is not a job just for a man."

Firefighters, much like Law Enforcement Officers, see a gender gap in their profession. Firefighter Stephanie Taylor says that never crossed her mind when pursuing a career at the Valdosta Fire Department – she knew from the start it was her dream job.

"It is the only job I have ever been passionate about. I like being able to help the community, being able to help save lives and safe people's home or property makes."

Taylor says she met members of the Valdosta Fire Department at a career fair and immediately began preparing herself mentally and physically for the hiring process.

 "I applied and started putting in the effort of training with extra running and cardio before coming in to do the agility test," Taylor said. "The physical test is challenging, but you just have to push yourself beyond when your mind tells you to quit – keep going!"

Taylor was one of two females in her recruit class, becoming one of the six women the Department currently employs.

Firefighter Taylor never anticipating becoming a mentor for young girls or other females in the community but says she is proud to serve in that role.

"The other day, we had a fire alarm call at a daycare. When we got on the scene, I heard one of the little girls yell out, "hey, there is a girl firefighter!" It's not something they are used to seeing in this field, and it surprises them. Now these young girls understand that their possibilities are endless; they can do whatever they want to do, and not only men are firefighters," said Taylor.

Taylor describes the Valdosta Fire Department as a family – helping each other out when needed.

"Everyone in the Department, when I come to them with a question or struggle, they have always been beyond helpful and never looked at me differently because I'm a female. They look at me as a team member."

That type of environment helps when the firefighters respond to calls as well. "We all have things that we are good at, and we all know each other well enough to know how to put the right people in the right spots based on strengths and get the job done," said Taylor.

Taylor believes having women part of the team helps in many ways but specifically with their outreach efforts on scenes.

"People are often more drawn to talk to females on the scene; they feel like they can relate emotionally and offer more comfort with what's going on."

Both the Valdosta Police and Fire Departments hire the best candidate for the job based on testing and qualifications – regardless of gender. However, there are not many females among the candidate pool for either Department.

Both departments' leadership agree that they will continue to recruit and market themselves to attract more women and minorities and provide the highest level of service to the Valdosta community.