Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

Delaware State Police Celebrate Women’s History Month

Date Posted: Thursday, March 9th, 2023

March is Women’s History Month, and the Delaware State Police are celebrating by recognizing several female troopers, from both the past and present, who have paved the way and established themselves as leaders within the division and amongst their peers. We’re excited to honor their contributions and efforts by highlighting the following Delaware State Police Female Firsts in the First State:

Colonel Melissa Zebley

First female in charge of the Honor Guard Unit
First female Director of Public Information
First female to reach the ranks of Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel

Captain Mary Ann Papili (Ret.)

First female in charge of the Domestic Violence Unit
First female to reach the rank of Captain
First female Troop Commander
First female Director of ISS

Captain Elizabeth Shamany (Ret.)

First female instructor at the State Police Academy
First female assigned to Internal Affairs
First female Director of SBI
First female Director of Training

Captain Alice Brumbley (Ret.)

First female Director of Human Resources

Captain Melissa Hukill (Ret.)

First female Sergeant assigned to a Special Investigations Unit
First female assigned to the Homicide Unit
First female in charge of the Homicide Unit

Captain Jennifer Griffin (Ret.)

First female to obtain her PhD while on active duty
First female Director of Internal Affairs

Captain Mary McGuire

First female in charge of the Conflict Management Team

Lieutenant Andrea Boone (Ret.)

First African American female Lieutenant
Highest ranking African American female in the history of the State Police

Sergeant Pamela Marshack (Ret.)

First female to serve as a full-time Trooper Recruiter

Sergeant Kelly Wells (Ret.)

First female in charge of the High Tech Crimes Unit
First female in charge of the SOAR Unit

Master Corporal Nicole Parton

First female helicopter pilot for the State Police

Corporal Kimberly Cook (Ret.)

First female Trooper of the Year

Trooper Cynthia Lowden (Ret.)

Trooper Georgia Carter (Ret.) (not pictured)

First female Recruit Troopers

To learn more about the history and storied traditions of the Delaware State Police, you can visit the Delaware State Police Museum website. The Museum is located at 1425 North Dupont Highway in Dover and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (except State and Federal holidays).

The Library of Congress also hosts a website detailing the study and celebration of Women’s History Month in American history. Their site also offers numerous links to exhibits, articles, audio recordings, video clips, and other resources that focus on the powerful impact that women have had in shaping our culture today.

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