Tuomey is a 23-year police veteran having served in all facets of policing. She retired from the Burlington, Vt. Police Department as a lieutenant to pursue career opportunities with the University of Vermont Department of Police Services. As police operations captain, Tuomey is responsible for all university police service operations. She was instrumental in leading the agency's community policing efforts which were recognized by the International Association of Police Chiefs.
Jointly sponsored by NAWLEE and Motorola, the Woman Law Enforcement Executive of the Year Award was established in 2003 to recognize an executive who has exhibited sustained extraordinary accomplishments, demonstrating leadership, creativity and support of NAWLEE goals. These include promoting the ideals and principles of women executives in law enforcement; conducting training seminars to train and educate women executives in law enforcement; and providing a forum for the exchange of information about law enforcement.
"This award recognizes an individual who has distinguished herself in our organization, her profession and her community," said Susan Kyzer, President of NAWLEE and Executive Director for the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. "Captain Tuomey's leadership has been evident throughout her career and also in her service to NAWLEE. She has served as NAWLEE's 2nd Vice President since August 2002 and was instrumental in developing NAWLEE's Mentoring Program, which she continues to support as executive board liaison to the mentoring committee."
Tuomey said her passion has always been service. In 2002, she was honored by her current department members with a nomination to receive the department's Leadership Award. She has also been awarded the Medal of Valor, Medal of Lifesaving, Crisis Negotiator Award and Meritorious Service Medal over the course of her career. Tuomey is an adjunct instructor at the Vermont Police Academy, where she teaches, coaches and mentors new officers and she has also been an adjunct professor at Norwich University. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Tuomey is a recognized expert and lecturer internationally in critical incident stress management.
"Motorola is proud to be part of this significant leadership award for law enforcement executives," said Jackie Wasni, Motorola Communications & Electronics, Inc. vice president and representative of the company's Women's Business Council Committee. "Captain Tuomey's passion to serve others and her selfless leadership exemplify the best in her profession. Her outstanding achievements are an inspiration for other women police officers to meet the current and future leadership challenges in law enforcement."
