Chief of Police: Making History

Today we feature Heather Fong, former chief of police in San Francisco - first woman in the position AND the first Asian-American woman to lead a major metropolitan police force. In addition, she is the second Asian American chief in the history of San Francisco Police Department.

via google images

Heather Fong graduated from the University of San Francisco with a Bachelor of Arts, working as a police cadet and participating in Air Force ROTC while in college. Sworn in as a Police Officer in 1977 and leaving the Hall of Justice in 2009, Fong had worked through the roles of inspector, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, commander, deputy chief, assistant chief, acting chief, and finally, permanent chief.

During her tenure, Fong was known as "tough" and "reform-minded." She oversaw reforms in the police department as well as drops in violence and efforts to better relationships between police and the San Francisco community.

In August 1977, when Fong became a sworn police offer, the department was still just beginning to hire women and minorities - she faced doubts in her qualifications and commitment, along with other newcomers at the time. Though some felt resentment from veteran cops and soon quit, Fong along with some others eventually made it to distinguished careers in the department. As a pioneer, she has been and continues to be an inspiration to many.

~Joy