The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
MAKING HISTORY
Sgt. Tabitha Angello becomes 1st female supervisor at Lorain Police Department
An officer was promoted to become the first female member of the command staff at the Lorain Police Department.
Sgt. Tabitha Angello took her oath of office Nov. 5, moving up in rank and making history in Lorain.
Angello is the first female officer to become a supervisor in the police department’s history, said Lorain police Chief Cel Rivera.
At least 35 police officers, family and friends joined Angello, the chief and Mayor Chase Ritenauer for her swearing in Lorain City Council chambers.
Angello declined to make a speech to the group.
Afterward, her family and colleagues offered a steady flow of handshakes and hugs of congratulations.
“That’s a big deal.”
— Lorain Police Chief Cel Rivera said of Sgt. Tabitha Angello’s promotion to first female supervisor in the department
“I thank everyone for coming,” Angello said afterward. “I appreciate everyone that’s guided me this far, and I look forward to the new challenges of being promoted to sergeant.”
Ritenauer administered the oath of office, but Angello tapped her daughter, Brianna Cirilo, to pin on her new badge.
Angello was assigned to the detective bureau, specializing in sex crimes, children’s services investigations and property crimes.
A Lorain native, Angello, 41, studied at Lorain High School before it closed and graduated from Southview High School.
She earned her associate degree at Lorain County Community College, her bachelor’s degree from David Myers University and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Tiffin University.
Angello has been a safety officer for Lorain City Schools and a park ranger for Lorain County Metro Parks.
Recently, she earned a master criminal investigator certification through the Ohio Peace Officers Training Council, Rivera said.
“So, she’s more than prepared,” he said.
Angello started with Lorain police in August 2006.
She spent half her career working on the road patrol and the other half in the detective bureau.
When Rivera asked the mayor to promote Angello, Ritenauer said he would gladly do so.
Angello never emphasized her achievement, Rivera said, but the audience applauded when he announced her as the Police Department’s first female supervisor.
“That’s a big deal,” Rivera said.
Seeking command responsibility involves team leadership, balancing the needs of the officers and the department, mentoring officers and getting them through the day safely, the chief said.
“It’s an awesome responsibility,” Rivera said. “Just the fact, Tabitha, that you’re willing to accept that responsibility, it’s really an awesome deal and I’m real proud of you.
“I know that there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re capable of handling this job.”
Rivera noted the Lorain Police Department has been predominantly male throughout its history and it does not have as many female officers as he would like.
He said he hopes Angello’s work will inspire young women to consider a career in law enforcement and with Lorain police.
Ritenauer called Angello a trailblazer in the Police Department and said he could not think of a more fitting candidate.
“Thank you for stepping up to lead the city of Lorain,” he told her.
“I know that there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re capable of handling this job.” — Lorain Police Chief Cel Rivera