The ProtectoR

Allyssa Kern West, Vienna

Patrolman and first female police officer for the Vienna Police Department

THE INSPIRATION

“My interest in criminal justice stemmed from watching TV shows like Cops. I watched with my grandma, and I knew I wanted to do that. I loved the aspect of never knowing what I was going to walk into. I didn’t want a traditional office job with spreadsheets all day, every day. I wanted to go into work not knowing what life’s going to throw at me. You have to be a fast thinker and a problem solver.”

THE MOTIVATION

“I wanted to help people. Even if it’s just helping someone carry a bag at the grocery store to their car, I want to help, and I saw being a police officer as a way to help.”

GOING FIRST

“To be the first female officer at Vienna, it felt good to be able to accomplish something of that nature. I like to be that role model for girls who don’t think they have the confidence to do something, just because no other girls have before. It warmed my heart when someone would want a picture with me, or when someone would say, My daughter looks up to you. I want girls to shoot for their dreams. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it and try hard enough.”

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