For the first time in its history, the Starkville Police Department promoted two female officers simultaneously, each to the rank of sergeant.
The decision to promote the officers, ex-corporals Crystal Hackett and Brooke Carpenter, was verified with approval by the Board of Aldermen during its scheduled meeting Tuesday. The dates for their swearing-in ceremony and subsequent change of duties has yet to be determined.
Chief Frank Nichols said though the duel promotion is a landmark event for women in the police force, it also reaffirms SPD’s mission to place its best officers in leadership positions.
“I’m glad to be a part of this history, but when I looked at what the department needed — two good leaders — they just so happened to be female,” Nichols said. “I was looking for responsible leaders, and that’s what I got.”
Hackett said she hopes people the milestone reflects the merited recognition of two separate individuals, but she appreciates the message it sends to young women like her daughter.
“It is nice because I have a daughter, and I want to set an example for her that [she] can do whatever [she] wants to do,” Hackett said.
Hackett, a Starkville native, began her career with SPD as a dispatcher in the 2009 before quickly transitioning to the role of patrol officer. In 2013, she took leave for an 18-month tour as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot for the Army National Guard. Since returning, she has served the department in various capacities, including corporal for the department’s supply unit. When reassigned, she will take over the position of sergeant for the unit.
Carpenter entered police work as an officer in Oxford before transferring to Starkville in 2009. Serving SPD previously as a DUI and a patrol officer, Carpenter is currently assigned the department’s investigative unit. As sergeant, she will return to patrol.
Carpenter said she is looking forward to the challenge.
“I would hope that the public would understand that we’re here to serve them and to provide a service to them, and if they need us then to not hesitate to call,” she said. “To be able to help someone on a daily basis, that’s the way I like to end my day.”
Looking to the future, Carpenter said she wants to continue to work hard to help make Starkville a safe place where people will want to live and visit.
“Starkville, it’s a growing town,” she said. “It’s got lots of opportunities for my child, and I want to make sure my child has the best opportunity to grow up and be a well-rounded individual.”
Hackett is similarly eager to work for the city in her new capacity and plans to continue what she feels is the most fulfilling part of her job: community engagement in the town where she grew up.
“Of course you still get the cheek pinched from the old ladies who [say], ‘Oh, I remember when you were like 5 years old,'” she said. “And it’s nice to be able to go out when they need assistance. It’s nice to go back and help.”
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