On Wednesday, July 11, 2012 Sgt. Rebecca Fetchu was sworn in as Lieutenant before Mayor Robert E. Bruchey, II. She is the second woman in the history of the Hagerstown Police Department to earn the rank.

Fetchu began her career in Hagerstown in November of 2000 after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She was recruited to HPD through the Police Corps, a six-month rigorous boot camp-style program. She started as a patrol officer, later became an agent with the Narcotics Task Force (NTF), then worked in the Criminal Investigations Division and patrol after she was promoted to Sergeant.

"I’m excited for this day to be here," Fetchu says. "I’m looking forward to my new responsibilities and the opportunities that are ahead of me."

Fetchu qualified for her promotion after serving five years as a Sergeant. She also had to be assessed by an outside panel of police supervisors from other Maryland jurisdictions through her responses to both written and oral scenarios. In addition to completing a written assessment, Fetchu was also ranked by her peers at HPD to earn the promotion.

Chief Arthur Smith adds, "She’s done well in every position she’s had, and she’s shown very strong leadership skills. Our promotional process is competitive, and she came out first in the list. She deserves it and worked hard for it."

In her new position as Lieutenant, Fetchu will serve as the department’s west end sector manager, where she will address non-emergency neighborhood concerns, establish new community groups and participate in neighborhood meetings in the western area of the City.

"Lt. Fetchu is an officer who leads by example," says Captain Mark Holtzman. "She’s a great example for our agency and she’s a great example of what a career path can be here. She is competent, confident, and she gives the officers good direction. They respect her for that."

Margaret Kline was the first woman at HPD to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1998. When asked of being the second woman to earn the honor, Fetchu says, "I’ve always just taken the attitude of coming in and getting the job done, regardless of my gender."

Lt. Fetchu and her husband are originally from the Clearfield County, PA area. They live in Hagerstown with their daughter.