San Diego Police Department (SDPD).
At the head of the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is a remarkable leader, who also happens to be a woman. Chief of Police Shelley Zimmerman is well known locally for her friendly approachability as well as her strength when keeping the peace in challenging times. She is also nationally known for keeping a step ahead on many fronts, including the key area of community oriented policing.
Community-oriented police departments function at their best when they reflect the people they serve, including having women functioning at every level of leadership. To support SDPD’s continuing commitment to be America’s Finest police department, the San Diego Police Foundation presents the annual Women in Blue awards luncheon.
The Police Foundation exists to ensure that San Diego’s sworn officers and their civilian colleagues at SDPD have what they need to do their jobs safely and with excellence. This is accomplished by engaging the community in funding much-needed equipment and training that is beyond what the city budget can readily provide. The Police Foundation also funds and produces outreach programs, like Women in Blue.
Symbolizing trust, honor and strength, blue is the color of the San Diego Police Department’s uniform. It is also the hue most often worn by top business leaders. Today many women wear this color of power in business and have leadership roles in myriad fields, but it was not always so. There was a time when a woman who chose to pursue a career of any kind was seen as non-traditional. Even today women who choose careers in law enforcement are rare. These women are trailblazers and for their leadership and dedication the Police Foundation honors them at Women in Blue. By telling their stories and by providing scholarships to women who aspire to careers in law enforcement or criminal justice, the Police Foundation intends to inspire the next generation of women in blue.
It is no small wonder then that the Police Foundation considers it fitting to honor Chief Zimmerman with a lifetime Women in Blue award at the start of the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Year, and at the conclusion of Chief Zimmerman’s 35 years of distinguished service to SDPD. The luncheon will be held at the US Grant Hotel on Thursday, February 15, 2018 beginning at 11:30am. The community is invited to join in this celebration of leadership, diversity, and public service by purchasing tickets at www.sdpolicefoundation.org or by calling (619) 232-2130. Proceeds from this milestone event will propel the mission of the San Diego Police Foundation. A donation of any size is welcomed in honor of Chief Zimmerman and all women in blue because, as the motto of this organization declares, Every Dime Fights Crime.
