HR 1556 - Recognizing Women in Law Enforcement

• Recognizes women comprising approximately 15 percent of state, municipal, and county police officers and acknowledges their major role and persistence in law enforcement.

• Honors Sergeant Darlene Breitenstein of Gary Police Department for 24 years of service in juvenile division and animal control since 1994, including 18 years in a leadership role.

• Recognizes 28 women officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), including Deputy Chief Valerie Cunningham who served 25 years and held executive positions including interim chief of police (2016-2017).

• Honors additional female law enforcement officers from various Indiana departments: Corporal Linda Potesta (Highland), Sergeant Marlene Starcevich (Griffith), Detective Michelle Dvorscak (Lake County Sheriff), Sergeant Tracy Laurinec (Hammond), Major Nila Miller-Cronk (Indiana State Police), Sergeant Jennifer Barnes (Indiana State Police), Officer Mika Season Jackson (Madison), and Officer Angela Reed (Fort Wayne).

• Directs the Principal Clerk of the House to transmit copies of the resolution to each recognized woman officer in recognition of their sacrifices and service to public safety.