Hodge Becomes First Woman in Virgin Islands History to Serve in the Role, Bringing Over Two Decades of Experience to Department Leadership
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has named Lieutenant Deborah Hodge as Chief of Police for the Virgin Islands Police Department in the St. Thomas/ St. John Disttict, marking a proud and historic moment for the territory. With this appointment, Hodge becomes the first woman in Virgin Islands history to serve as Chief of Police.
The announcement comes on the final day of Virgin Islands History Month and Women’s History Month—a fitting close to a month that honors the people who’ve helped shape the territory and the women who continue to lead and break new ground.
“Lieutenant Hodge is a dedicated and proven leader,” Governor Bryan said. “She has spent her career building trust, serving with distinction, and setting the standard for what it means to protect and serve. Her appointment is well-earned and long overdue. I’m proud to see her take this step and confident she’ll make the territory proud.”
Lieutenant Hodge brings over 20 years of experience with VIPD. She has served in several leadership roles and has earned the respect of both her peers and the community. As Chief of Police, she will oversee the daily operations of the department and support the department’s broader mission of improving public safety and strengthening community relationships.
While the Commissioner of Police leads the department overall, the District Chief of Police is responsible for managing operations on the ground and ensuring that officers and commands are working efficiently and effectively in the respective district they command.
“I accept this appointment with humility and gratitude. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me and hope to inspire those who come next. I am committed to serving with strength, compassion, and integrity,” said Chief Hodge.
Police Commissioner Mario Brooks praised the appointment and expressed his confidence in Chief Hodge’s leadership.
“Chief Hodge has the experience and the heart for this job,” Commissioner Brooks said. “She knows the community, she understands the work, and she leads by example. I’m proud to have her on the leadership team, and I look forward to continuing our work together to move the department forward.”
Governor Bryan noted that Hodge’s appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to lifting up leaders who have earned the respect and trust of the people they serve.
“Chief Hodge has broken a barrier,” he said. “And she did it by showing up every day and doing the work with integrity. This is a moment to celebrate her achievements and to recognize how far we’ve come as a community.”
###
The post Governor Bryan Appoints Veteran Law Enforcement Officer Deborah Hodge as Chief of Police appeared first on Government of the United States Virgin Islands.
Government of the United States Virgin Islands