Kelly Luther
Coppell police officer Kelly Luther has been a police officer for 23 years and currently works as a school resource officer (SRO) at Wilson Elementary School. Luther monitors security systems and takes care of the students on the campus.
What made you decide to be a police officer?
I was in my early 20s, taking college classes at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, but it was not quite my thing. I could not figure out what I wanted to do. The attack on Sept. 11, 2001 was part of the influence. I wanted to do something. I was not quite sure how to get into the military, so policing seemed like the right path for me. Also, I had a pretty rough upbringing, so I had a lot of exposure to police when I was young. I wanted to be one of the good guys. Being a SRO is rewarding because I have a 10-year-old myself, so it is fun watching the kids and hanging out with them. Just now, a little guy brought me a flower. It is fun getting to know their personalities and their quirks.
Have you experienced gender discrimination on the job?
When Hurricane Ike hit, the department I was with was going to send relief efforts to other coastal areas to assist, and I threw my name in the hat. I wanted to go because I thought that it would be cool to be part of that. But, because I was a woman, they didn’t want to intermingle me with the men because we all would have to sleep in the same room and bunk together. They said, “We don’t want to send you because you are a woman, and you would have to cohabitate with men.”
Why is it important to celebrate Women’s History Month?
Women have come a long way over the years, and we play an important piece in society as first responders. We are able to cross boundaries that men can’t. It is important to recognize women, especially in first responder roles, because we can do things that men can’t. We are natural healers, in a sense. When communicating with victims, especially female victims of domestic violence, it is easier for them to talk to other women. If I could advise young women who want to pursue a career in emergency services, I would say be confident in your ability, and be comfortable talking to people. A lot of police work and emergency services are about being able to build relationships with people.
How has being a woman shaped your approach to policing and community service?
I’m relatable, especially here in Coppell. I have had a lot of parents come up to me at events and at Wilson Elementary School to say that they enjoy seeing a female officer. We just have a different ability to talk to kids, not that men can’t. As mothers, as women, we have a different approach. So, I think female officers are embraced here in Coppell.
If you could have lunch with any woman in history, who would it be and what would you want to talk about?
I choose the late Betty White. I remember watching her as a young child and continued watching her throughout adulthood. She always had a good-natured, fun vibe about her, and her sense of humor grew with the ages. She remained relevant throughout her career, and when she passed, almost all of her 75-million-dollar estate was left to a trust for animal charities. How could you not love that?
Lauren Dehls
Coppell police officer Lauren Dehls has been a police officer with Coppell for four years and currently works as a school resource officer (SRO) at Denton Creek Elementary School, Coppell Middle School North and Victory Place.
What made you decide to be a police officer?
My mom is also involved with law enforcement. She works federally for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, so it inspired me to be a part of law enforcement. Also, there are not a lot of females in law enforcement, so I wanted to bridge the gap and show other females that it is possible to be successful in a male-dominated career.
What advice would you have for young women wanting to pursue a career in emergency services?
Do it and don’t second guess yourself about trying it out. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to do it. But, you won’t know if you like it if you never try.
Why is it important to celebrate Women’s History Month?
Women, in general, were told we need to stay at home and cook, clean and take care of the kids. It is important to come together and celebrate that we have come so far in the world and that we have so much more freedom than we did back then.
How has being a woman shaped your approach to policing and community service?
I definitely went into it thinking it is a male-dominated career, so I had to expect comments or looks. I take them with a grain of salt, and in general, it makes me work harder.
Have you seen any changes in the representation of women in law enforcement?
When I first started four years ago, there were only three female officers in Coppell. Now, we are up to seven or eight within two years. We have hired a lot of females over the past couple of years, and we are all doing great.
What is the most rewarding part of being an SRO?
I would say making a relationship with the kids. You can’t ask for anything more rewarding than watching them grow, accomplish things and become outstanding students.
Follow @deepali0914 and @CHSCampusNews on X.
