28-02-2025
Black History Month: The Woman Behind the Badge
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) – One can say a police officer should embody a number of things – toughness, courage under fire, and the ability to act decisively in key moments.
All of these things embody Waco Police Department chief Sheryl Victorian. I sat down with Waco's top cop to learn more about the woman behind the badge.
'Know that there's a stereotype for what police officers should look like, what police officers, police chiefs should look like, and how they should act. But I came in each and every day being authentically me,' Chief Victorian says.
But all the 'shoulds' aside — this woman, who has dedicated more than 31 years to the police service, admits there's more than meets the eye.
'Introvert. People have a hard time believing that,' Chief Victorian says.
Very hard to believe – from the woman who has made significant progress in protecting our city.
'We've seen a two percent reduction in violent crime over last year, and a nine percent reduction in nonviolent crime over last year,' Chief Victorian explains. 'These are the lowest numbers that we've seen since accurately recorded in 1993.'
And before she was sworn in as the City of Waco's chief of police — on March 13th, 2021 — she didn't even realize she was making history.
'I just so happened to be the first female and the first African-American. But it's a total honor, and I just hope that I'm the last of the first,' Chief Victorian says.
And just when you think you've figured her out…
'I never dreamed of being a children's author.'
But that — she is. And it was all inspired by her love of getting to know her community.
'I love going into the schools and reading to kids and doing one of my visits,' Chief Victorian explains. 'I had a young lady say she didn't realize girls could be police chiefs. Let little girls understand and know that they can make great police chiefs.'
And that's not all!
'Playwright. I am a playwright.'
This lover of musicals, especially Hamilton, exudes that who she is and what defines her goes way beyond the badge and the uniform.
And in spite of all her accolades, academic achievement, and awards – she knows it's all just skin deep.
What's most important to her…
'Kindness, caring and being respectful,' Chief Victorian says. 'And leave a legacy of individuals knowing that they can reach this level, both as an African-American and as a female.'
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