By Jo Ross

"I remember playing cops and robbers when I was a kid, I was always the cop. I wanted to be the 'good guy.' As I grew older I personally experienced injustice with the system and knew that I wanted to make a difference, to do better. With that goal in mind I became unwavering in my desire to excel in law enforcement, to seek the truth and assure justice."

That's Tracy L. Capallia talking. She received her Police Standards Certification in 1995 and was promoted to Lieutenant of the White Springs Police Department on October 14, 2008. At (a proud) 43 years of age, she has faithfully dedicated the past 13 years to her dedication to "Protect and Serve." Ask around White Springs and you'll soon learn that she is well thought of in her community as well as her career field.

According to Capallia, the primary factor which encouraged her to choose Law Enforcement is motivation. "Motivation - my purpose and decisive factor in choosing this profession came from a much deeper issue and I will just leave my words to the readers to determine that place. See, humanity is quite extraordinary, I’ve chosen to contribute to society in a hope to inspire, protect and nurture with reliable compassion, respect, and affection for those who cannot otherwise defend themselves, I have entered the role as a protector. I consider it my duty to connect, express and pursue the greater good for those who rely on me."

"I have gained new found friendships, long lasting acquaintances; I have missed opportunities through preconceived perceptions," Capallia says of her chosen career path. "There is more to this career than placing individuals in jail or passing out tickets. I would have to say that part of the job is never really pleasant, although necessary. When I took the oath of office I did so to uphold the law and accomplish this task because I should, not because I can. I will always perform my duties in good faith and to the best of my abilities. I am far from perfect. I wear a uniform and yes I have a badge, however; they will never define my character, I have my own identity."

"I have had trials and tribulations along the way," she admits. "It's a part of life and I do believe that growth comes from within and the only way to grow is through adversity. Growth comes from having the fortitude to fight back and over come. It comes from strength deep inside of you. I believe that every one that comes into someone's life for a few seconds or an eternity has left an imprint of some kind. I would prefer to cherish it as a learning tool and not consider it a problem. It's a problem when there is not enough food to feed the hungry or take the time to help an individual out of selflessness or speak kind words to lift spirits and hope for new found chances."

"I have endured the mistreatment by some and value the respect from others. I would like to trust that we have the same goals as Law Enforcement Officers and not gender specific. The aim of life regardless of the profession you have chosen or the uniform you wear as well as the tools you possess is to focus on success in unity always allowing for greater tomorrow's."

In closing, I am going to quote a former female officer when she once told me "I commend you on your diligence and efforts. Most people don't realize that females can perform the job as well (in some cases better, because of our added intuition - in some cases not, because of lack of brute strength) but we can all benefit from using our mental capabilities before it becomes necessary to use physical.

Be tough. Be consistent. Be proud."