News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2004

DEA Detroit Division Celebrates Women’s History

Wayne County Circuit Court Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly addresses the audience at the Women's History Program

APR 5--Detroit, MI- On March 26th, 2004, the Detroit Division Office celebrated Women’s History Month by hosting the annual DEA Women’s History Celebration, “Women Inspiring Hope & Possibility” at the McNamara Federal Building in Detroit, Michigan. The event was open to all DEA employees and the employees of the McNamara Building.

DEA Special Agent in Charge John P. Gilbride provided the welcoming remarks and discussed the contributions that women have made, that have often gone overlooked in our society. DEA Group Supervisor Robbie Raffa introduced the honored guest speakers, which included: Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly, Wayne County Circuit Court, retired Inspector Marilyn Beard, Detroit Police Department, and Division Commander AnneMarie Gibson, Michigan State Police.

SAC John Gilbride, ASAC Jimmy Fox, Retired Detroit Police Inspector Marilyn Beard, ASAC John Arvanitis

Inspector Beard frankly discussed the difficulties she faced as one of the first women in the Detroit Police Department. Ms. Beard said that it took considerable more time and effort, to be accepted in the department by her male counterparts in the 1960’s and 1970’s. She overcame those obstacles to become the first woman to achieve the rank of Inspector in the Detroit Police Department.

Commander Gibson provided the audience with a history of the Michigan State Police. The MSP has evolved from an extremely homogenous workforce, when Commander Gibson began her career, into a department whose employees can take pride in the diversity of its workforce.

The program ended with SAC Gilbride, ASAC Jimmy Fox, and ASAC John Arvanitis thanking the guest speakers and providing them with plaques recognizing their accomplishments.

SAC John Gilbride, ASAC Jimmy Fox, Michigan State Police Division Commander AnneMarie Gibson, ASAC John Arvanitis