Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong announced today the Blount County Sheriff’s Office will once again celebrate National Women in Law Enforcement with an event planned for the day of recognition September 12, 2019.

Sheriff Berrong is inviting everyone who is considering a career in law enforcement to attend the event on Thursday, September 12. He also encourage the public to attend to help them celebrate these heroes in blue. The “Coffee with a Cop” event will be held at Vienna Coffee House, located at 212 College Street in Maryville from 10 a.m. to noon eastern September 12. This reception is a great way for women who are interested in law enforcement to meet with female deputies who can give those interested a first-hand account of what it is like to work as a law enforcement officer and to answer questions.

Alice Stebbins Wells was the first American-born female police officer in the United States, hired in 1910 in Los Angeles. Since that time, the field of female law enforcement officers has grown, with roughly 13 percent of the police force in the United States represented by women, mostly in larger departments.

Sheriff Berrong is proud of all of the women who work for the Blount County Sheriff’s Department, and is encouraging women to apply for corrections and patrol positions within the agency.

“We give thanks to these brave women who have chosen to dedicate their lives to the protection of our county, state, and this nation,” Sheriff Berrong said. “We hope you’ll come out and meet these heroes and learn more about our efforts to encourage women to join this honorable profession.”