Date: 03/31/2025
WESTMINSTER, Colo — March is Women's History Month and WPD is highlighting some of the incredbile women at the department.
In WPD's Women's History Month series, several women were featured in videos who have not only impacted the department, but the next generation.
Heather Wood — Senior Police Officer
Senior Police Officer Heather Wood is a true trailblazer. She began her law enforcement career with WPD in 1989 and was officially sworn in by 1992. Today, Officer Wood holds the honor of being the longest-serving female officer in WPD history.
From countless roles within the department to her adventurous life outside of work as a certified scuba instructor, she's an inspiration for those both in and out of uniform
Watch Officer Wood's Spotlight Video: https://youtu.be/qdYDLaeUPXw
Kailey Garcia — Detective
Detective Kailey Garcia is a proud Colorado native who joined WPD in 2015. Now serving as a detective, she handles a wide variety of cases, ranging from homicides to misdemeanor and felony assaults.
When Detective Garcia is not solving crimes, she’s out skiing, hiking, boating, and of course, riding her two horses.
Detective Garcia’s contributions go beyond her cases — she’s been a huge part in paving the way for future generations of women in policing.
Watch Detective Garcia's Spotlight Video: https://youtu.be/ISJAaqekeKY
Chandra Thurston — Senior Criminalist
Senior Criminalist Chandra Thurston joined WPD in 2014, but has nearly two decades of experience in forensic science.
As a forensic scientist, she plays a crucial role in solving cases — responding to crime scenes, collecting and analyzing evidence, and working alongside detectives to bring justice to victims. In 2023, Chandra was instrumental in solving a 48-year-old cold case, proving that science and perseverance can uncover the truth, no matter how much time has passed.
Her dedication, expertise and passion for her line of work not only make a difference in the field, but also serve as an inspiration for women everywhere to pursue careers in science.
Watch Criminalist Thurston's Spotlight Video: https://youtu.be/AUr7S2wsNWA