Last week at the 9th annual Women Leaders in Law Enforcement symposium (WLLE) held in Anaheim, California, Pomona Police Captain Joann Guzek received the Trailblazer award for her contributions to the law enforcement profession. Co-sponsored by the California Police Chief’s Association, (CPCA), California State Sheriff’s Association, (CSSA), California Peace Officers Association, (CPOA), and the California Highway Patrol, (CHP), WLLE is a training seminar focused on emerging issues and trends in the law enforcement profession, with an emphasis on challenges unique to women in police leadership positions.
From the CPCA website: The Trailblazer Award is presented annually to a woman working in law enforcement who has made outstanding contributions to her profession and/or professional organization. A secondary consideration is her contribution to the California community as a volunteer.
As the highest ranking female officer in the Pomona Police Department and the agency’s first female Captain, Guzek was nominated by members of the department for her professional accomplishments, her mentoring of younger officers and her volunteer work in the community.
As a 27 year veteran of the Pomona Police Department, Captain Guzek is the Commander of the Investigative Services Division; comprised of the Detective Bureau and other specialized investigative teams. Throughout her career she has had many firsts, including being the first woman assigned to the Department’s Major Crimes Task Force, which is a group of elite officers responsible for gang and street level drug enforcement. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Captain Guzek has appreciated and sought higher learning and education as a part of her life. Captain Guzek holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of La Verne and is a graduate of the rigorous 18 month P.O.S.T. Command College Program.
Captain Guzek has spent much of her own time supporting important organizations in the Pomona Community. Starting in 2001 she volunteered as an advisor for the Children’s Advocacy Center, House of Ruth, and Project Sister. These programs all help victims of Domestic Violence and sexual abuse. Captain Guzek began supporting the American Cancer Society in 2012 and the National MS Society in 2013. She has actively sought donations for these charities and participated in various fundraising events such as running/walking.
The Pomona Police Department is very proud of Captain Guzek’s accomplishments and her daily contributions as part of the Department’s Executive Command Staff.
More information about the WLLE can be found on their website at http://californiapolicechiefs.org/women-leaders-in-law-enforcement-training-symposium
Information about the Trailblazer award can be found at http://californiapolicechiefs.org/cpoa-trail-blazer-award
