In celebration of National Women's History Month, the Denver Police Department recently took to social media to honor a trailblazing officer within their ranks. Sgt. Monica David has become the first woman to hold the prestigious #1 Badge denoting her as the longest-serving officer in the department's history. The badge is an emblem of endurance and commitment, carrying with it the weight of tradition.
David's service began in the 1970s when she joined the Denver Police as a reserve officer, before being hired full-time in 1979. Her journey interestingly was to have begun in the convent, only to find her true calling not in the quietude of nunnery, but in the tumult of urban patrolling. The badge #1 was ceremoniously granted to her after the previous holder retired in March of 2021, and David stepped in to gracefully don it. The honor is especially notable considering she initially sought to serve communities in vastly different capacities, from a nun to a bus driver, before ultimately strapping on a badge. David is currently still serving, working with the Juvenile Intake Unit.
According to the Denver Police Department, "This year marks Sergeant David's 46th year as a full-time Denver Police officer and she is currently the longest serving female officer in the history of the Department, and the longest serving officer currently on the force -- this makes her number one." The statement captures the magnitude of her tenure and highlights the significant milestone for women in law enforcement.
