Licking County has seen several women rise to leadership positions in public safety this year.
In May, April Fleming was promoted to Newark Police Department’s first female Sergeant. Fleming served first as a dispatcher for the Heath Police Department and then for Newark before becoming her police officer. Since then, she has been a key member of her group of cop support women in the department, as well as her Cops & Kids, an organization aimed at closing the gap between law enforcement and youth in Newark. .
In an interview with The Advocate earlier this year, Fleming said it was an honor to be the first female sergeant in her department. I hope it encourages you to step up and know that you can be one of the men, even if you are a woman, in a field dominated by men.
Fleming hopes to inspire other young girls through her promotion, and told The Advocate in May that she hopes her promotion will show them that the sky is the limit.
As advice to young girls, Fleming said, “It’s up to you what you do day by day to get the results you want. You have to work hard.” No. That should empower you in and of itself. Show them that you can do anything you set your mind to.”
Licking County Attorney Jenny Wells
In November, Jenny Wells was elected Licking County’s first female prosecutor in a unanimous vote by the Republican Central Committee. Wells began working with the Licking County Attorney’s Office in 1998 as an assistant prosecutor in the felony division. She has been in private practice for 11 years after spending her 5 years at this institution. In 2016 she returned to prosecution.
Responding to a question about what it means to be named Licking County’s first female prosecutor, Wells says she works hard every day to be the best attorney she can be, regardless of gender. I feel that I have earned my status and reputation thanks to her hard work and dedication.
“I earned my place. I now consider being the first female prosecutor in Licking County an achievement for me. But I am a role model for young women out there.” My daughter is 17. “She’s a senior in high school and all her friends look up to me. I love it. They know they can achieve this.” It’s something they can do if they want and if they work hard,” Wells said.
Keisha Amspoe Fire Chief
In October, Keisha Amspoe became Buckeye Lake’s interim fire chief after the previous fire chief was fired. Late last year, Amspawh became Licking County’s first female fire chief in her township, Mary Ann.
In a largely male-dominated field, Amspaw sees her appointment as an honor for her career. appointed by the board.
“It’s been an honor to follow him. I always wanted him to (succeed), but not this way.” He was my mentor for 16 years…I It’s the first female mayor in Licking County, and that’s a big deal.It’s a big deal, not just for this generation, but for the forward movement in general.”
Amspaugh has been with Mary Ann Township for nearly 16 years and also works part-time with the Buckeye Lake Fire Department.
Also late last year, the Republican Central Committee voted in October to appoint Tricia Moore as Newark’s first female legal director. will complete a four-year term in office.
After his appointment, Moore said he believed his own experiences would help his relationships with victims.
“I am a survivor of violent crime and a product of being able to have a positive experience in the legal system. After that experience, I wanted to help victims of crime.
“I have put myself in the shoes of victims. I understand their feelings, their doubts, their fears, their concerns. I am watching and will do my best to let them know that I will fight for them.”