Police Department Honors Women's History Month

The Daytona Beach Police Department honored its female officers in honor of Women's History Month. They posted the following on their Facebook page:

"March is Women’s History Month. This month we celebrate the contribution of women, to history, culture, and society. Throughout the month, we will highlight some of the dynamic women that serve the city of Daytona Beach as officers and civilian employees. These women are not only trailblazers, but each of them is a dedicated Professional Public Servant."

Officer Magan Geary

Officer Geary is a native of Daytona Beach. An early experience with a female officer piqued her curiosity about law enforcement. That, coupled with her desire to help others is why she chose to become an officer.

Joining Daytona Beach Police Department in November 2022, Officer Geary was part of the first DBPD cohort at Daytona State College. As a young officer, Geary is excited for a long future in law enforcement. She loves meeting people from all walks of life and believes it’s especially important for women to be well represented in law enforcement. Her favorite quote is “Be kind, for everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” This quote inspires her to always extend kindness and understanding in her professional public service.

It’s evident that Officer Geary loves being an officer and that she’ll continue to protect and serve while centering kindness and empathy. We’re lucky to have her as part of the DBPD.

Deputy Chief Whittet

Deputy Chief Whittet is approaching her 26th year of service in law enforcement. She began her career at the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department in Wisconsin, whose jurisdiction includes her hometown of Eagle River. She was only the second female deputy ever hired in that department. The long cold winters were tiring, and it was time for a change.

Deputy Chief began her career with Daytona Beach Police Department in 2001, and has worked in various capacities, including the patrol division, special investigation unit, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Task Force, crisis intervention team, and the Office of Professional Standards. Now, as the Deputy Chief, she supervises all those divisions and more. She is the first woman to hold the rank of Deputy Chief in the Daytona Beach Police Department. She is also only the second woman to reach that rank in the Seventh Judicial Circuit that includes four counties.

Deputy Chief Whittet says, “It’s rewarding work. You don’t realize how many lives are touched by law enforcement action, whether you’re helping a grieving family or putting someone in jail. But when you put someone in jail, you can do it respectfully, understanding that they have family. I also affect officers’ lives because internal investigations come through me. When I started, I didn’t see that it was so much bigger than me. That’s what I try to impress upon new staff members. In 26 years, the Law Enforcement profession has changed tremendously but I would not have traded this career for any other.”

Officer Dashandra Harris

Joined the Daytona Beach Police Department in January of 2022. Officer Harris works patrol and hopes that her interactions with the public will be impactful and promote positive change in those she serves.

In addition to her patrol duties, she volunteers with youth who are facing challenges, and recently became a “big sister” (mentor) to a young person in the community. Officer Harris is hopeful that through her community engagement, she can be an example to young girls who might be interested in law enforcement. Her confidence and approachable demeanor make her a great example to those coming up behind her.

When asked about her legacy, Officer Harris hopes that she can be remembered as a woman who was proud to serve her community, and someone who treated everyone with respect.

Here’s to a long career of service, Officer Harris.

Captain Trisha Jones

Captain Jones was sworn in as a Daytona Beach Police Officer on July 17, 2006. Since then, she has worked her way through the ranks and is now a Police Captain, overseeing the Support Resources Division. Additionally, she serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Daytona State College, teaching the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, Advanced and Specialized training, and other college credit courses.

Captain Jones is a trailblazer! She hopes her legacy will be that of a role model to current and future women police officers. Inspiring them to take leadership roles within their organizations. She believes that women bring an increased diversity to law enforcement and create balance in the workplace.

Thank you, Captain Jones, for 18 years of service to the Daytona Beach Police Department and greater community.

Lieutenant Angel Chirillo

Lieutenant Chirillo joined the Daytona Beach Police Department in August 2007. She currently serves as the Lieutenant in the Office of Professional Standards. In addition to her daily duties, she participates in community events such as National Night Out, Shop with a Cop, and Back to School events.

Lieutenant Chirillo believes women are essential in law enforcement for many reasons, especially in domestic violence and sexual assault cases. She states, “Women officers possess a calming effect when dealing with citizens.”

Lieutentant Chirillo strives to inspire those around her by showing compassion and empathy. She’s hopeful that her presence has a positive impact on others and that she’s making a difference in her community.