Women's coalition honors female police officers

Honoring women who help protect communities across Lake County was the goal as the Lake County Women's Coalition held its annual Tea Party on Sunday, Oct. 5.

Police officers honored were Anna Dressler from Antioch, Staci Kupsak from Buffalo Grove, Marci Landy from Deerfield, Heather Andrews from Grayslake, Tami Martin and Lisa Moe from Gurnee, Deborah Fishman from Highland Park, Debby Hartwig from Lake Bluff, Andrea DiGiacinto from Libertyville, Anne Marie Blaz from Lincolnshire, Sandy Keller from Lindenhurst, Kathleen Smith from Mundelein, Sandra Molidor from Round Lake Beach, Det. Audra Bonaroti from Round Lake Park, Marlene Runyard from Waukegan and Deputy Maureen Kinyon from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Soliciting nominations from each department, the coalition sought to honor women who exemplify professionalism, dedication and service.

Barbara Richardson, who founded the coalition, said since the tea party began 14 years ago, the coalition has honored women who are not often recognized. Among them were firefighters and women in the military.

"We have wonderfully creative, skilled women in Lake County," she said. "They need to know we respect what they have contributed to their communities."

Kathleen Smith, a Mundelein High School graduate, has served Mundelein's department 11 years and now is its only full-time crime prevention and DARE officer. She said she is proud to set a good example for others.

"You can be a good role model for others and teach others to follow in your footsteps to lead a good life, an honest life," she said. "Even with mistakes they can fix them with honesty and respect."

Anna Dressler, an evidence technician, juvenile officer and field training officer in Antioch, said every day is a new challenge.

"Every call you go on, you think about things that can go bad whether it be a simple domestic or burglary in progress. You never know," she said. "You try to think about those things so you prepare yourself for what may happen."

While Smith said she may not be as strong physically as male officers, she does not see herself at an disadvantage.

"It's not all about the physicality," she said. "It's about how to communicate to people."

Bonaroti, the only female sworn officer in Round Lake Park's department, added being the minority has never been negative working with what she calls a bunch of brothers.

"As I grow through the ranks, they are always so supportive of me. It's a great team," she said.