Millions flocked to the streets over the summer in protest of the American police force and the continuing violence against minorities by those in uniform. After ongoing months of peaceful protesting across the country, many police departments are responding to the call for equality and beginning to make changes to their departments.

Chasity Porter has made history in the city of Dickinson by becoming the department’s first African American female police officer. Beginning her career as an EMT and later transitioning into firefighting, Porter’s goal is to help people and make a difference in the community.

“I come to work because I like to help people and so when I hear all these things about being the first it’s very humbling to me,” Officer Porter said.

Her experience in other career departments has made her stand out among her colleagues, being met with immense praise from her supervisors and the people of Dickinson. In hiring her, Dickinson Police Chief Ron Morales was more impressed with Porter’s extensive training, experience, certifications and background.

“It’s always an honor to be the first at something new; however, I’m prouder of hiring someone of this high caliber. She’s trained and experienced in mental health. She’s a trained and experienced EMT. She’s a trained and experienced firefighter. She’s a state of the art police officer. I think this is where the nation’s going. When you dial 911 this is the type of officer that is going to arrive at your door. I think this is our future. She has such a huge, positive attitude. Always has a smile on her face. Just as important as being highly qualified and coming to the job with great experience, she does it with compassion and empathy, which is awesome and I don’t think that’s something you can go to college for or go to a class to get. I hope she keeps that throughout her career,” Morales said.

The Dickinson department’s officers strive for equality in the workplace and are making a conscious effort to be aware of discrimination within their department. By hiring Porter, the department heads are making their first steps into establishing an improved and aware police force.

“Without diversity, we lose. We are losing and behind the eight ball if we can’t be diverse as an agency and as people. I think it’s a huge accomplishment for our agency and it’s even larger for what we’re doing as a nation,” Oscar Stoker, Dickinson Police Department Captain, said.

Porter was surprised to learn she was the first African American woman on Dickinson’s task force but grateful for the opportunity she has been given.

“It was shocking to learn that I was the first Black female officer to become a full-fledged member with the Dickinson Police Department because I love it here. With that being said, I wasn’t surprised entirely because there’s a lack of diversity in public service as a whole,” Officer Porter said.

Despite the lack of diversity, Porter wants for those in need to trust her and know that she is there for anyone who needs help.

“My son, my brother, my father, my uncles, cousins they all look like you guys. I’m here for you. I’m here for all of the citizens and if you have that level of comfort where you can talk to me, that can help deescalate the situation,” Officer Porter said.

Between calls for service, Porter does her best to ride through as many neighborhoods in the city as she can. She wants to get to know the people of Dickinson and create a relationship with the community she loves and protects.

“I’m out all day. You’ll see me with my windows rolled down riding through the neighborhoods. I’m singing. I’m waving. I’m smiling, I enjoy getting out and meeting residents and letting them get to know me. It’s been harder to get out though because of the pandemic, but at least they see me patrolling, waving and smiling. I’m here for them and feel that it’s important to establish a rapport with the community before responding to a call for service,” Officer Porter said.

Porter’s mission is for young girls of all colors to see her example and believe that they can become whatever they desire.

“Follow your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you that your goals are unattainable. When you fall along the way, take it as a lesson learned and try again. The options are limitless and I’m just glad they get to see me in this roll. It’s not just a boys club anymore,” Officer Porter said.

This story was originally published on Creek HiLife on November 10, 2020.