03/09/2023
In recognition of Irish heritage, today the is highlighting Police Officer Ashley Callery!
- Tell us a little about yourself (where you grew up, went to school, family, etc.)
Although I grew up in Yonkers, Ireland was like a second home to me for the majority of my youth. Both of my parents were born and raised in County Cavan before they relocated to New York in 1985. My sister and I spent every Summer in Ireland until I began attending college at the University of Connecticut, where I studied Criminal Justice along with Spanish. During these years, I started to seriously consider a future in law enforcement. I had a desire to follow the footsteps of several family members, including my aunt, who is a Corrections Officer, and my three uncles, one who retired as a Sergeant with the Garda Siochana (National Police Service of Ireland) and another who retired from the Westchester County Police Department’s Aviation Unit. I also have a cousin who is currently employed by the Garda Siochana.
- Why did you want to become a Police Officer?
I have to be honest, when I was 24 years old, I wanted to become a Police Officer to “catch the bad guys.” I was drawn to a career filled with excitement and suspense, unsure of what each day would bring. However, now, as a 29 year old, I feel that my perspective towards my job has changed tremendously. While I still experience that sense of exhilaration when responding to certain calls, what really brings me joy is being able to help the public and develop connections and relationships with individuals who I may not be able to assist in a different line of work.
- What is your assignment with the Department? How does your work impact the community?
I’ve been working on the early tour in the 3rd Precinct for five years, and am currently assigned as Post 36, which patrols the Nodine Hill area. While my passion lies in investigative work and following up on crimes reported, whether they be minor or serious in nature, I’ve put a large amount of effort into connecting with members of the community that I police. I take great pride in driving up and down Elm Street and receiving more smiles than I do frowns. I like to think that I’ve helped individuals feel comfortable, rather than apprehensive, about calling the police.
- What do you like the most about being a Police Officer? The least?
Thankfully, there are many more pros than cons about being a Police Officer, in my experience. The pros include the opportunities to assist strangers on a daily basis, challenge myself mentally while conducting a thorough investigation, and develop friendships with the people I work alongside, through the ups and downs. A con is the unfortunate reality that law enforcement, as a whole, is viewed as a less respectable profession due to the actions of a small number of individuals. Despite this fact, I am very proud to be a City of Yonkers Police Officer.
- What advice would you give to a young adult thinking about joining Law Enforcement?
To a young adult considering a career in Law Enforcement, I would tell them to stay on the right track. The decisions you make when you’re young have a direct impact on where you end up in the future. With that being said, don’t hesitate to put yourself out there, experience new environments, befriend individuals who are different from you, etc. I believe that a well-rounded, open-minded person will create a well-rounded, open-minded Police Officer.
- If you could have a superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it?
My superpower would be to predict the future so I know exactly how to answer the questions during my Detective Division interview. Just kidding, (kind-of). Cop jokes aside, I wish I could eat an endless amount of donuts and not gain a single pound.
The City of Yonkers
