Santa Cruz County Hires First Female Police Chief – Santa Cruz Sentinel

CAPITOLA — With a nearly two-decade career with the Capitola Police Department, Capt. Sarah Ryan will take on the role of Santa Cruz County’s first female chief next month.

Ryan, a 48-year-old San Lorenzo Valley High School alumna who began her career with the department in 2005, said she was often among the highest-ranking female law enforcement officers locally. Leadership positions, she said, were always about moving in with her male and female colleagues. What kept Ryan in Capitola over the years was her heart – for the community, for the work she put in at work and for her own family.

“But I think we would be remiss, especially for all the women who came before me, who, I wouldn’t be here if they hadn’t overcome some of the challenges that come with law enforcement,” Ryan told the Sentinel Friday. “I am so grateful to them and to have been able to work with them throughout my career.”

Ryan said she never felt like she “ticked a box” as a woman where others felt compelled to promote her. The reason, she said, was because she saw failure and got back up to try again.

Capitol Mayor Kristen Brown praised Ryan’s “exceptional record of service, leadership and commitment to the safety of our community.”

“I am confident that under her leadership we will continue to increase public trust and transparency, ensuring that Capitola remains a safe and welcoming place for all,” Brown was quoted as saying in a city statement.

When she was looking for a job with the Capitola Police Department, Ryan said she was aware and energized by the challenge of joining a largely male-dominated field, a feeling that hasn’t gone away as she steps into her new position of peak.

“This new chapter has just begun and I welcome all of this, all of the challenges,” Ryan said. “Nothing good comes without a little pain. It’s just like working out – you have to break down muscle to build muscle.”

Ryan praised the support he’s received from other law enforcement leaders since he applied for the supplement RCapitola Police Chief Andy Dallyhis role, announced in July.

“Just the real growth, the real growth that we’ve done together is just amazing,” Ryan said of their warm reception from the bosses he’s met — and matured with — throughout his career.