The NIU Police Department honored women in law enforcement by hosting its 2nd annual “Women of the Shield: Honoring Women in Law Enforcement.”

Women from nearby counties’ police departments joined NIU’s police department to have brunch and celebrate women in law enforcement Friday.

“I think women in the law enforcement is important because as a department we are supposed to serve and protect so I believe the people who serve should mirror the community they serve,” said NIU Police Officer Wey-ni Langdon.

Langdon has hosted this event twice during Women’s History Month to recognize hardworking women in law enforcement.

“The NIU Police Department is one of the most diverse agencies in DeKalb County,” Langdon said. “We encourage people of all races, creed and gender to come to the law enforcement field.”

This year’s theme was “Her-Story: Rising Through the Ranks” with the keynote address given by Deputy Police Chief Gloria Graham of Northwestern University Police Department.

Graham shared her story of rising through the ranks and the hardships she conquered to become a successful and accepted female chief in the enforcement.

“As leaders… we cannot lose sight on how what we do impacts lives and the lives of people’s families,“ Graham said.

Chief Diversity Officer Vernese Edghill-Walden gave a speech to honor and thank local women in the police enforcement.

Edghill-Walden said women risk their lives everyday and come out of their comfort zone.

“I encourage [women] and thank you for all that you do,” Edghill-Walden said.

Edhill-Walden and Graham, along with few other officers, were both rewarded with plaques from the NIU Police Department for their dedication to the force.