First female deputy

Editor, The Commercial: In honor of Women’s History Month, we recognize, honor and celebrate one of our trailblazers, Jametta Harper, who was the first female deputy appointed to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 1995.

Harper, who served 16 years as a Jefferson County deputy, was appointed by Sheriff W.C. “Dub” Brassell, who stated that he would never hire a female deputy. He eventually changed his mind and decided to choose Harper as the first female deputy due to her background with law enforcement dispatching and her previous law enforcement certification and training.

With her breaking barriers, law enforcement became an attractive career choice for women in Jefferson County. Harper says that it was an honor to get into law enforcement.

“I learned a lot throughout my career,” said Harper. “It gave me great pride to wear the uniform.”

Although law enforcement is a male-dominated industry, Harper stated that she was always treated like a deputy and not a fragile being. She stated that she was trained very well, so anytime she faced an issue in the streets, she was well equipped to handle it, which led to her success and promotion to a sergeant in the transport and service division.

Almost 26 years later, we continue to praise Harper for breaking down gender barriers in law enforcement with grace, dignity and strength while paving the way for all who have courageously followed in her footsteps.

JCSO proudly celebrates Women’s History Month as part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and our dedication to service as a sheriff’s office that reflects and showcases the diversity and inclusion of the county we serve.

SHERIFF LAFAYETTE

WOODS JR.

JEFFERSON COUNTY