THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 1, 1996 TAG: 9610010313
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LARRY W. BROWN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 41 lines
The Police Department swore in its first female captain and its first black female lieutenant in a ceremony Monday in the City Council chamber.
City officials said the two women earned their promotions with years of hard work and a love of helping the community.
``This is an opportunity to elevate some of our deserving members to greater responsibilities,'' Chief Melvin C. High said during the ceremony in the City Council chamber.
Sharon L. Chamberlin was sworn in as captain assigned to the Chief's Office. Betty A. Davis was sworn in as lieutenant assigned to the 2nd Patrol Division.
Five other officers also were promoted in the ceremony: Alphonso Durso and Herbert Fayton, to sergeant; and Kenneth Peele, Jeffery Shuey and Monnie Tripp, to corporal.
Chamberlin, a 22-year police veteran, was also the department's first female sergeant and first female lieutenant.
The promotions will help fill some vacancies that will arise when nearly 60 officers, many of them high-ranking, retire early next year.
In her remarks to the audience, Chamberlin recalled the earlier days of her career when she was the only woman in a roll call. But through the years, she said, she has received continued encouragement from the city and co-workers.
Davis, who has been on the force since 1978, said she most loves the interaction with residents. ``I feel great. I feel honored to be able to serve the community in this capacity,'' Davis said after the ceremony. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by MIKE HEFFNER photos/The Virginian-Pilot
Norfolk Police Department Capt. Sharon Chamberlin gets a hug after
being promoted in a ceremony Monday in Norfolk City Hall. She is the
city's first female captain.
With her promotion Monday, Norfolk Police Department Lt. Betty A.
Davis, left, became the city's first black female lieutenant.
KEYWORDS: NORFOLK POLICE DEPARTMENT FEMALE CAPTAIN by CNB