Bridget Pierce made history when she became Atlantic City's first female deputy chief in 2020.
Now she's been honored by the New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement for her career as an officer that began in 1996.
The Atlantic City native has had a big impact on the Atlantic City Police Department, starting out as a beat cop in the days when officers were a part of the neighborhoods.
At a Civilian Police Academy several years ago, she talked fondly of being a fixture in Stanley Holmes Village and getting to know the people who lived there.
In 2014, she oversaw Internal Affairs as the department implemented a system that tracked officers to flag potential issues before they became a problem.
She was a critical part in helping test out and putting the system in place, then-Chief Henry White said at the time.
Pierce served on the department's Crisis Negotiation Team for more than a decade, and led the city's Vice Unit.
She is currently commander of the Emergency Response Team.
“Deputy Chief Pierce embodies the mission of the NJWLE," SAID Jules Schwenger, president of the local PBA. "She is a tremendous influence and guide for not only the women in law enforcement, but the men as well.
Schwenger and Chief James Sarkos accompanied Pierce to the event in Freehold on Wednesday.
“I was honored to attend and witness Deputy Chief Pierce receive this prestigious, competitive and well-deserved award at the NJWLE Conference,” Sarkos said. “Deputy Chief Pierce has distinguished herself with her various achievements, leadership and exemplary conduct over the course of her distinguished career.”
She became the city's highest ranking female officer in August 2020.
Pierce has also been an influence for the union, holding various elected roles including president of the Superior Officers Association.
"I am extremely proud of Bridget Pierce, the first female Deputy Chief in the history of the Atlantic City Police Department, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the NJWLE,” Mayor Marty Small said. “It shows the dedication throughout Deputy Chief Pierce’s career is not only recognized by the great City of Atlantic City but statewide.”
THE NJWLE is a non-profit professional organization of active and retired officers whose purpose is to bring the successes and contributions of women in law enforcement to the forefront. In addition, the organization supports community initiative projects to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
