“In recognition of National Police Women’s Day, we are so proud to post this photo which depicts some great history.
From Left to right:
Officer Sandy Grace, and Detective Barbara Lipsett, were among the first female police officers in our department and the first female school resource officers. Officer Grace was also the first female K9 officer!
Officer Pauline Garcelon, was the first female New Bedford police officer AND the first female detective.
Sergeant Rita Ribeiro, the first woman of color to be promoted to Sergeant, the first commander of our domestic violence unit AND the first commander of our school resource division.
Please leave a message for all four of these groundbreaking women in law enforcement who are currently enjoying a well-deserved retirement!!
Thank you for your service!!
#NationalPoliceWomanDay.” -City of New Bedford Police Department.
Barbara Lipsett – I have very many fond memories of you and our time together in junior high! Congratulations on a job well done! You have served our community well and I wish you all good things!
Ada Hahn Simpson
Four of New Bedford’s all-time finest “trailblazing” police officers. Had the pleasure of knowing and observing Officers Grace, Lipsett, and Garcelon, as well as Sgt. Rebeiro interacting with N.B.P. students, staff, and parents. To say they were outstanding role models for students to emulate would be a huge understatement. Well deserved recognition for a job well done ladies!