The Village of Elmsford made history on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, by hiring not only their first Black female but their first female Police Officer, Tiesha Heath.
“I had the honor to witness Tiesha TK Heath be sworn in at Elmsford PD. She made Herstory by becoming their first-ever female cop!!! MVPD lost a great officer. I had the pleasure of being her boss for the last 2 years. She is my Trini n my fellow Leo Queen. She is Fierce in a pint size with an even bigger heart. She went from being my co-worker to family, not by blood. I wish you the best in your career. I CAN’T believe they never hired a woman, but I am happy it is you breaking that barrier. Loved how welcoming Elmsford (mayor, city council, fire, EMS, PD, PBA) welcomed you and how immensely happy their PD was. Keep shining, Heath,” shared Krista Mann, who knows a little something about making Herstory. On October 4, 2019, Krista Man became the first Black female Lieutenant of the Mount Vernon Police Department.
Tiesha’s historic hiring in the Village of Elmsford comes 60 years after Rita Gross Nelson became the first woman of color to serve as a patrol cop in Westchester County in 1965. She became the first Black woman to serve as a patrol cop in Yonkers. 60 years later, we are celebrating another first for Black Women in Law Enforcement in Westchester County.
“Today, we celebrate a historic milestone with the first Black female police officer on the Elmsford Police Department. Her trailblazing spirit, strength, and dedication redefine what it means to serve and protect. As she breaks barriers and paves the way for future generations, she stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, leadership, and progress. Her presence reminds us all that progress is not just a goal but a journey—one that leads to a future where justice, equality, and opportunity are within reach for all,” Westchester Rockland Guardians President. Ret. Sgt. Paul Hood shared with Black Westchester.
Heath joined the Elmsford PD after having spent seven-plus years with the Mount Vernon Police Department. She spent the last three years working in community affairs.
“We have been looking, and when we interviewed Tiesha, we knew right away we found our officer,” added Elmsford Police Department Chief Thomas Proscia.
Heath will be just one of 22 officers that make up the department, a group where openings don’t come around too often.
