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by Kevin CodyIn law enforcement, it is traditional to recognize an officer’s retirement with a final radio sign off broadcast by the dispatcher to the full department. In the case of Hermosa Beach Police Department Captain Dorothy Scheid, her final sign off from the dispatcher was broadcast for the entire city to hear at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
Scheid is retiring after 38 years with the department.
She started in 1986 as a police service officer. In 1989, after attending the Sheriff’s Department Academy, she began her ascent to the highest rank of any female in the department’s history.
“I know you don’t want your legacy to be about gender. The legacy you pride yourself on is in front of you,” City Manager Suja Lowenthal said, referring to the officers who filled the council chambers, many of whom Scheid was instrumental in hiring.
“But you are also important to little girls watching, and to me and other women in the city as a female serving the community at a high level. And doing it with heart,” Lowenthal said.
Hermosa Beach Police Chief Paul LeBaron recognized Scheid as “a pioneer in law enforcement.”
“At the time Dorothy started, the profession didn’t completely value the skills women bring to the profession. Her legacy will be felt for years to come,” LeBaron said. He praised her for strengthening the department organizationally “in areas where we had not been that strong.”
The dispatcher’s final radio call recounted Scheid’s many assignments, including patrol, detective, firearms instructor, sniper, training officer, internal investigations and recruitment.
“This city has been my family. I met my husband here, and I received my first parking ticket here, when I was 16,” Scheid said.
She said she will miss the department, but is confident in the generation taking over.
Chief LeBaron, and Captain Leland Phillips presented Scheid with a ceremonial Hermosa Beach street sign that read, “Scheid Avenue, Hermosa Beach.” ER
