Sgt. Debbie Moore Retires from LPD

After a career that began in 1978 as a Parking Enforcement Officer, Sgt. Debbie Moore retired from LPD on Friday. Family, friends, coworkers, and fellow retirees gathered to thank Sgt. Moore for her many years of service to the community and to wish her well in her retirement.

She was encouraged by Officer Hugh McRorie many years ago to move up and apply for a police officer's position, telling her that she could do the job at a time when we did not have as many women police officers as we do today. (Now retired himself, Hugh returned to attend Debbie's retirement party.)

Sgt. Moore held a variety of assignments throughout the department, including patrol officer, detective, and sergeant. As one of only a few female supervisors, she excelled as a leader within the Patrol Division and the Community Services/Crime Prevention Unit. She retired on Friday as the Supervisor of the Operational Review Section where she was responsible for Internal Affairs, Accreditation, and Staff Inspections.

I had the good fortune of being one of her original Field Training Officers many years ago, and found her to be an exceptional police officer. Since that time we worked together in a variety of assignments over the years. Debbie is a person of incredible personal integrity and compassion for the people she meets. She took her job seriously, insisting on nothing but the best of herself and others, but always found time to share a smile with you.

As is typical for police officer retirements, Chief Boatner presented to Sgt. Moore her shield, retired officer credentials, and her service weapon. He thanked her for being a strong leader and trendsetter within the Lakeland Police Department. She leaves a big void for others to fill in her footsteps.

We wish the best to Sgt. Moore as she moves into a new chapter in her life.

Happy trails my friend...

- Asst Chief Bill LePere