The 1st black woman to serve as an Ocala police officer is re-invited and gets her old badge.

OCALA, Florida. “Monday afternoon honored Marion County trailblazer—the first black female officer hired by the Ocala Police Department more than half a century ago.

On the first day of Black History Month, the department invited her back to give her a special gift, as well as to thank her for making the department what it is today.

Pastor Alice Mae Faison is a real celebrity in Ocala.

“Pastor Faison was the first African-American woman to be sworn into the police, in 1969!” a young black female officer announced to the crowd gathered outside the police headquarters, including Pastor Faison’s extended family.

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Faison is respected and admired for what she did 54 years ago — having the courage to even take a job with a predominantly white police department — but also for what her legacy continues to do every day.

Tara Woods, spokeswoman for the Ocala Police Department’s public relations department, described how Faison inspired her to rise to the top ranks in the department.

“Pastor Faison, we have a unique history in common because she is first in line to wear the uniform, and I was first in line to be awarded all the ranks in the police department,” Woods said. “So for me personally, she paved the way.”

Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken presented Faison with a plaque and called the day she was hired in 1969 “historic” for the city and the Ocala Police Department.

Balken said he’s struggling to fill vacancies right now, but that’s also because he’s trying to find top recruits like Faison, who has been recognized and recognized during her career for her outstanding service to the community.

“When you think about the first black female cop we ever hired to come back here in 2023, I think it sends a message when our young officers see this and when the community sees this report and sees what was people who were here and look the same as in 1969,” Balken said. “Perhaps this will help us with some [hiring] problems … with the emergence of a new generation of police officers who will not necessarily be like the rest.

Balken also honored Faison by making a hat with her old badge number: 34. It was the badge she fought for and earned. When Faison was first hired, segregation had just officially ended, but unofficially it still existed in Ocala, as did discrimination.

“I wore this hat with respect and let me tell you some days it was hard and some days it wasn’t,” Faison said. “One thing I would like to say, and I thank God for that, I was born colorblind. I don’t see color. Never.”

Faison showed News 6 last year the church she founded in Ocala, Sisterhood/Fraternity, after her quarter-century in law enforcement.

She still serves her community by regularly delivering clothes and food, as well as working with the community.

“I had to treat everyone with respect and love everyone the same as myself,” Faison said. “The police will always be in my heart. Amen, what a wonderful occasion.”

A drunk driver ended Faison’s career in law enforcement in 1985, otherwise she would have continued to work.

In a few days she will be 76 years old.

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