First Female Deputy Chief's Journey

0:00In Birmingham, it's March 16th, and here's what is going on. Felicia Rutgers-Summelin made history as the first female deputy chief in the over 200-year history of the Jefferson County Shares. Department. She started her long-forcement career at the county jail in 1990 and worked her way up through the ranks over three decades. A key turning point came in 2011 when she earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern, University, which opened doors to higher positions. Earlier in life at age 24, she was a single mother of two, waiting tables and caring for her ailing grandmother. Determined to change her path, she applied to the Sheriff's Department and began in corrections. From there, she moved to patrol, served as a school resource officer and handled cases and crimes against people, property, finances, and narcotics. Her rise included becoming the second black female certified sworn officer lieutenant in 2008, the first black woman and third woman. Overall, to reach captain in 2016,

1:03and finally deputy chief in 2020. She credits her perseverance and the degree for making her eligible for promotions she might otherwise have missed. Now retired, Rutgers-Summelin shares that hard work and education fueled her success, stressing that a degree can transform opportunities. Her story highlights how flexible online programs hilt her balance a demanding job with studies. Columbia Southern University, based in Alabama, supports adult learners with fully online degrees and feels like criminal justice and no extra cost. Four materials. It is served over 80,000 students since 1993 and focuses on career advancement for working professionals. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor LinkedIn the description. A pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly. Built for nighttime listening, S-O-L-L-I-SOLYPILLOW.COM