Sudbury police officer breaks the glass ceiling

Greater Sudbury's Police Service made a bit of history Wednesday, when for the first time a woman was promoted to superintendent.

Now Supt. Sheilah Weber was formally promoted at the meeting of the city's police services board, along with three other officers: Insp. Michael Chapman, Staff Sgt. Marc Brunette and Sgt. Derick Rose. Another officer, Const. Andrij Zelionka, also joined the force.

The officers were joined by their families at the afternoon ceremony, which took place at the start of the board's first meeting since the summer break.

Chief Paul Pedersen said Weber is first and foremost a great officer with a distinguished career. But he said the promotion was a significant milestone for local police and sends the right message to the community.

“We know that policing as a career has been defined by gender – how often do you hear the word, 'police-man?'” Pedersen said. “We're striving to move away from that and encourage women to join us. Because it makes us stronger and more complete.”

Weber thanked her family for their support, and said it was a particularly important day because her dad was able to come and watch, despite recent health struggles.

She credited women who had gone before her for blazing a path she could follow.

“I've had nothing but great support,” Weber said. “As I said in my speech, I'm here because of all the great women I worked with, and the people I learned so much from, both male and female. They made me the officer I am today.”

She's happy to be a role model for other women who may be interested in policing, but don't see it as an option.

"I participate in our women's hockey team, and part of what we do is go out into the community and play the high school teams, and encourage (students to consider) non-traditional jobs for females,” she said. “So definitely. It's very encouraging for women. We see woman in all ranks at this point.”

“She is a top-level executive in this organization,” Pedersen agreed. “She's a role model for future generations, and those in our service right now, to see that everything – right to the top of this organization – is available to them.”

Even, one day, as chief?

“We would hope so.”