Hanging Up Her Uniform

by Jessica Taloney

Published: Tue, May 26, 2009 - 3:29 pm CST Last Updated: Tue, May 26, 2009 - 4:31 pm CST

Prichard's first female police officer is hanging up her uniform, 32 years after she broke the glass ceiling to wear it.

Sergeant Jackie Arnold's career in public service began in 1969 as a crossing guard at Ella Grant Elementary School then as a radio dispatcher fielding emergency calls, but it wasn't until 1977 that she became the first woman to carry a badge.

"I think at that time the government was requiring them to hire a female. They didn't have any female police officers at that time," says Arnold. "When I came in the first morning for duty one of the officers said 'she has perfume on', so I said 'was I supposed to wear men's cologne?"

Sergeant Arnold has worked in almost every department, but she spent the most time working with juveniles. In 1996, she was assigned to her current position as supervisor of the Records Division.

Arnold's last day on the job is May 29th, but there are seven women currently on the force who've followed in her footsteps.

WKRG.com » News Stream » Alabama

Video
Photo

Embed:

WKRG.com Related

News –› Alabama

News –› Prichard

Discuss this in the forum

Email to a Friend

Printer Friendly

Download Video

David Williams--Dallas TX Says:

Wed, May 27, 2009 at 5:29 am

Hey Jackie, congraduations on retiring after 32 yrs, I worked with you from 1979 to 1991 and it was a joy working with for you you will always be a classic officer with the department as was your brother Sgt Franklin, guess your husband has retired from the fire department so you both enjoy life and may GOD bless you both.

ceevewz Says:

Tue, May 26, 2009 at 8:34 pm

Congrats, Jackie! Well earned and deserved after a stellar career in your field! Thank you for your service!

—ceevew in s.f.

mermaidmom Says:

Tue, May 26, 2009 at 8:15 pm

I’ve never known Sergeant Arnold to be anything less than kind. She is a very classy lady & has always been an asset to her department. I wish her well in her retirement.