First female cop named Police Officer of the Year
Published on December 31st, 1997
STONEHAM, MA - It hasn't taken Sheryl Rotondi very long to gain the respect of her fellow Stoneham police officers.
Entering just her third year on the force, Rotondi has been presented the Police Officer of the Year Award which has been given each year since 1981. Recipients of the award are chosen by their peers, giving the award a special meaning for those who have their name engraved on the Police Station plaque.
"I am honored to receive this award," said Rotondi, who became Stoneham's first female police officer in April of 1996. "But I would not have been able to receive this award if it had not been for the tremendous support from everyone in this department."
Breaking down race and gender barriers can be frightening to those who take that first step, but Rotondi says her first two years have "gone better than expected."
"Because of the support of the department, the transition has gone very well," said Rotondi, who was a student at the police academy from Nov. 1995 until March 1996. "I would also like to thank the community which has been very supportive."
Stoneham Police Chief Eugene Passaro described Rotondi as an "outstanding representative of the Stoneham Police Department."
"She is an excellent police officer who shows compassion," said Passaro. "She is always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty...She always goes that extra step. We are very fortunate to have her as an officer."
In other communities male police officers have expressed concerns about relying on female officers as back-ups, but Passaro has not seen those feelings in his department.
"My officers feel very comfortable with Sheryl as their back-up when they make life-threatening calls," said Passaro. "That's evident since this is an award voted on by her peers. She is a very quick learner and is able to put what she learns into practice."
Rotondi, who along with officer Michael O'Toole are the only winners to capture the award in their initial years on the force, said she hopes to continue her good police work well into the 21st century.
"So far it's been very exciting," said Rotondi. "I'm looking forward to having a long career as a police officer."
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