Vicksburg Police honor women who shaped department

VICKSBURG, Mississippi — The Vicksburg Police Department is marking Women’s History Month by highlighting women who helped shape the agency’s history, the department said in a Facebook post Monday.

The department named Officer Diane Jarvis, Lt. Dora Smith, Lt. Janelle Lee and Officer Georgia Lowe as the women who “started it all,” saying they stepped into a highly male-dominated profession and went on to advance, lead and help redefine policing in Vicksburg.

The post noted that Janelle Lee went on to make history as the first woman to serve as deputy chief in the department and that Dora Smith continues to serve the community as a crossing guard. The department credited The Vicksburg Post for photos accompanying the message.

March is nationally observed as Women’s History Month, a time many law enforcement agencies recognize the contributions of female officers and civilian staff. The Vicksburg Police Department said it will continue to celebrate women who have served the community during the month.