Women rise in the ranks

Stephanie Selinske and Joyce LaPointe, two of the newest Costa Mesa officers to be promoted to sergeant, don't wish to be known only as the first women in the department to ascend to the rank. And at Wednesday's promotion ceremony at City Hall, their superiors and peers made it clear they would be admired for much more than just their gender.

"They scored in the top of the group, and I interviewed all of them personally," Chief Christopher Shawkey said as he emphasized the point that Selinske and LaPointe should be recognized for what they accomplished as experienced officers.

Friends, family and fellow law enforcement officials packed the City Council chambers for the ceremony honoring the promotion of six Costa Mesa officers. Also moving up to sergeant along with LaPointe and Selinske was Sgt. Ron Chamberlin. Tim Schennum and Marty Carver were promoted to lieutenant, and Les Gogerty is now a captain.

"It's nice to get here … with one of your best buddies," Selinske said after the ceremony, referring to LaPointe. LaPointe joked Selinske was always pegged as ambitious.

"In traffic [detail] she would play sergeant and hassle us," LaPointe said, smiling. "We always knew she would be one."

Shawkey offered words of wisdom for his newly promoted officers as they step into management positions. "Don't be afraid to make mistakes or to let your people make mistakes."

"Pursue excellence … and always remember the responsibility you have to the rest of the department."

Excellence has been a hallmark of the careers of each of the six officers, Shawkey said.

LaPointe joined the department in 1997 as a patrol officer. She worked in traffic for three years working DUI enforcement where she earned an award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for making more than 100 driving under the influence arrests.

Selinske began her law enforcement career with the Orange County Sheriff in 1995 and laterally transferred to Costa Mesa Police in 1996. Since then she has worked as a patrol officer, in the traffic division, DUI enforcement, with property crimes detectives, and in a division focusing on crimes against juveniles. She was promoted to corporal in 2005 and was honored with two awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for more than 200 DUI arrests.

Because so many officers have recently retired it has left a lot of room for the younger officers to step up in rank.

"We strive to have fun and be leaders and this was just the next step," Selinske said. "It's such a young department we can build on and get the job done right. I'm excited that we're going to be a part of that and take it to its fullest."