CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Two female CCPD officers celebrated milestones in their careers on Friday morning.
Lieutenant Emily Perez was promoted to the rank of Captain and Detective Mariah Haywood was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Haywood is the department's highest ranking Black female officer in the Corpus Christi Police Department's history.
She says that it was a conversation with late Corpus Christi Police Chief Floyd Simpson that made her want to be a police officer when she first moved here.
"He opened my eyes. Law enforcement has always been a dream on the federal level, but Chief Floyd Simpson, he opened my eyes to this department and how amazing this community is. And what his goals and dreams were-- it captivated me; it brought me in," said the officer.
Captain Emily Perez said the department is undergoing some cultural milestone. She has been with the department for 18 years and served as a supervisor for nine.
Perez said she has seen the department's growth over the years through the hiring of more women reflected in its academy classes.
"The culture itself has grown, and with that, more females are joining and it's a great thing," Perez said. "We need them."
She said she is looking forward to the work ahead of her as captain.
Haywood encourages other woman to consider a career in law enforcement because it is possible with hard work and dedication.
"Women can do the same thing men can do you just got to work for it and push yourself and if you're motivated and determined you can do anything that you want to do," Haywood said. "It doesn't matter your gender. "
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