Women’s History Month Spotlight: Chief Cynthia McAlister, Purcellville PD
Thank you to Chief Cynthia McAlister of the Purcellville Police Department for being a spotlight, and congratulations on retiring after over 42 years of law enforcement service to the Northern Virginia Community.
Where were you born and raised and, if it was someplace else, when and why did you come to Loudoun?
I was born in Verona, NY, and came to Virginia in 1981.
My reason for coming to VA was to help a friend move to MD, and while I was in the area, I visited my Aunt who lived in Chantilly. At the time she worked for Fairfax County and suggested I may like working there, and offered me her home. I moved down and was hired by Fairfax County and worked in the Finance Department. The desk work was so boring! One day I saw a job posting for police officers for the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) and I jumped at the chance to apply! I started my law enforcement career with FCPD in March 1982. My husband and I moved to Loudoun in 2003 because we wanted to raise our children in a more rural area.
Homework Club
Tell us about your business/nonprofit, and how long you’ve been in your industry.
I have spent 42 years in law enforcement. After 33 years with FCPD, I joined the Purcellville Police Department in June 2015 as Chief of Police.
How did you get into this line of work?
I enjoyed helping people, not being in an office job, and having the autonomy to do what I think is right. It was just the right fit for me.
Have you had any special mentors or inspirations that guided your career?
I can’t say I have had any one mentor, but everyone along my journey gave me something. The mentoring was informal, but I have been surrounded by many great officers and leaders and I’ve learned a lot from them. I have my parent’s work ethic!
Popsicle with a Cop event
What is the best part of your job and why?
The best part of my job is seeing what I can accomplish that makes things better for the community and the people I work with each day. If my people feel they are taken care of, then they will be able to go out and help take of those in need as well.
What is it like doing business in Loudoun/Northern Virginia?
The objectives we have to accomplish in public safety can be challenging. However, when people understand the mission and are willing to come to the table and dialogue we often come to a place of understanding to develop solutions that benefit everyone.
Working in Loudoun/Northern Virginia is very collaborative, whether that be across jurisdictional lines for law enforcement, or across public safety elements such as police, fire, medical, and beyond. The health, welfare, and safety of communities is of the utmost importance. Working in silos is a thing of the past, which I am happy to see. It is much more common for everyone to come together to work towards a resolution that is beneficial for the betterment of the community. Our communities provide so much support as well!
Bike Safety Day event
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month is a time for reflection and celebration of women. Regarding law enforcement, it is the opportunity to showcase the benefits of having women on the force and to continue to support them. Women bring unique strengths to the profession and our society benefits from this.
It is also an opportunity to spotlight the 30 by 30 initiative, a program promoting the advancement of women in law enforcement to increase the percentage of women in the profession from approximately 11% (currently) to 30% by 2030.
Favorite things to do when you are not working?
I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. I also enjoy our family pets both horses and dogs. No matter the type of day you have they always bring a sense of peace, joy and sometimes humor.