The Titusville Police Department celebrated Women’s History Month by honoring one of its trailblazers, Verda Blackburn. In 1954, Blackburn made history by becoming the first policewoman to serve in the department.

During her time with the department, Blackburn was responsible for directing and controlling traffic. She spent almost six hours every day stopping and slowing traffic at the Titusville Elementary School zone on Washington Avenue and aiding students across the street. Despite these time-consuming duties, Blackburn still managed to take on additional responsibilities and become an exemplary citizen of the City of Titusville.

In addition to her work as a policewoman, Blackburn also worked as a cashier-clerk in a local drug store. She also served as the resident manager of the Titusville Housing Authority housing projects on a part-time basis, collecting rent from residents.

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Blackburn’s commitment to public service extended beyond her work with the police department. She was an active member of her church and a leader in her community. She worked to improve the lives of those around her and was a role model for other women in Titusville.

The recognition of Blackburn’s contributions to the Titusville Police Department comes at a time when women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in law enforcement. According to the National Center for Women and Policing, women currently make up around 13% of all police officers in the United States.

In recent years, there has been a push to increase the representation of women in law enforcement, both at the local and national levels. Many police departments have implemented initiatives to recruit and retain more women officers, recognizing the unique skills and perspectives that they bring to the job.

The recognition of Verda Blackburn by the Titusville Police Department serves as a reminder of the important contributions that women have made to law enforcement and to society as a whole. It also highlights the need to continue working towards greater gender equity in all areas of public service.

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, it is important to celebrate the accomplishments of women like Verda Blackburn, who paved the way for future generations of women in law enforcement. Their contributions and achievements continue to inspire and motivate women to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities.