Berkeley Police Chief Made Women's History In 2011

March 8 is International Women's Day. But for Karin DiMichele, it's just another day leading the Berkeley Police Department. It's worth remembering today, however, that in 2011, DiMichele became the first female police chief in Ocean County history.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office honored DiMichele and several women who have made their mark in the county.

"These four women have made a tremendous impact here in Ocean County and today we celebrate their achievements," the OCPO's Facebook post said. "Thank you to all women who have contributed to society with their talent, perseverance and wisdom."

DiMichele began working as a Berkeley police officer in 1995. After 34 years with the BTPD, former Chief John C. Weinlein III retired.

On July 28, 2011, then-Mayor Jason J. Varano made an announcement in which many may not have realized its true historic nature: DiMichele would become Berkeley's next police chief.

Five Berkeley police officers had taken the Civil Service test for the chief's position. DiMichele earned a score of 92.5 — first in the department and the state.

Women still make up a small percentage of police departments, but the number of female officers keeps growing. In 1987, 7.6 percent of cops in the United States were women. That figure increased to 9.8 percent in 1995, 11.2 percent in 2001 and 11.9 percent in 2014, according to FBI data.

Hundreds attended DiMichele's swearing-in ceremony Aug. 1, 2011. Among many, the first female prosecutor in Ocean County history praised DiMichele.

"I think it's a great day when one of Ocean County's major township's selects a female to be chief of police," said then-Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford. "The glass ceiling is shattering."