From Molly May Larkin to today, Folsom salutes its women in blue

On National Police Women’s Day, Folsom Police honors its women officers while reflecting on a legacy that stretches from the city’s first policewoman to the 96,000 now serving nationwide.

FOLSOM – On this National Police Women’s Day, the Folsom Police Department is honoring the women who wear the badge in its ranks — part of a nationwide tribute to the role of women in law enforcement. From patrol to traffic enforcement, community services, animal control, and school resource assignments, the women of the department play vital roles in keeping the community safe and connected.

The story of women in Folsom policing begins nearly half a century ago. The first female officer for the Folsom Police Department was Molly May Larkin, who began her career as a dispatcher where she spent 13 years before moving into sworn service, breaking barriers at a time when women in law enforcement were rare. According to Folsom History Museum records, Larkin was known fondly as a motherly figure with a unique ability to de-escalate tense situations and make others feel safe.

Her career not only blazed a trail for future generations of women in the department but also left a lasting impact on the community she served.

That trailblazing spirit continues today with the many women now serving throughout the department in diverse roles. Among those serving are Officer J. Bishop, who joined the department in late 2024 and currently serves on patrol, and Officer W. Davis, a patrol officer since 2016. Officer M. Fancey began her patrol service in 2023, while Officer K. Lim has been with the department since 2005 and continues to serve on patrol. Police Officer Recruit H. Ljubi, who first joined as a Community Services Officer in 2023, is training for patrol duties.

The leadership team includes Lieutenant J. Marendt, who has been with the department since 2004 and is currently assigned to Patrol. Several officers have dedicated themselves to the city’s youth, including Officer D. McAuliff, a School Resource Officer since 2023, and Officer M. Sears, who has been with the department since 2020. Sears not only serves as a School Resource Officer but also founded the Therapy Dog program alongside Liberty, the department’s beloved police corgi, creating a one-of-a-kind program for student and community outreach.

Other officers recognized today include Officer N. Ramos, serving patrol since 2023; Officer M. Sanner, who joined in late 2024; and Officer B. Ulm, assigned to the Traffic Division since 2023. Corporal M. White has been a part of the patrol unit since 2022, bringing leadership and experience to the field.

The department’s Community Services team includes longtime staff member CSO M. Daniero, who has served since 2002, as well as CSO A. Krebsbach, who joined in 2024, and CSO E. McAuliff, who has been with the department since 2022. Their behind-the-scenes work helps ensure the community has access to essential non-sworn support and services. Animal welfare is another key component of the department’s mission, and today’s recognition also extends to Animal Control Officers J. Bradely, who joined in 2023, and D. Grondin, who has been with the department since 2022. Both are on the front lines of protecting public safety when it comes to the city’s pets and wildlife.

Folsom Police Lieutenant Lou Wright reflected on the importance of recognizing this team, not only for this special day, but year round. National Police Women’s Day, however. shines a national spotlight on the dedicated women of Law Enforcement.

“National Police Women’s Day gives us an opportunity to pause and highlight the dedication of the women who serve this community,” said Wright. “These women play critical roles, not only in keeping our neighborhoods safe but also in building trust and strengthening connections with the public. Their service, professionalism, and commitment are invaluable, and we are proud to have each of them as part of the Folsom Police Department family.”

Nationally, women remain a smaller share of the law enforcement workforce even as their numbers have grown. As of early 2025, there are approximately 96,000 female police officers in the country, representing about 12 to 14 percent of all sworn officers nationwide. With over 750,000 sworn police officers serving in the U.S., women remain a small portion of the workforce despite decades of progress.

The growth has been dramatic compared to the 1970s, when there were only about 1,000 women serving in policing nationwide. However, despite this increase, progress has slowed in recent decades, with the percentage of women officers remaining relatively stagnant between 2005 and 2014. This plateau has led to new efforts such as the 30×30 Initiative, a national campaign with the goal of increasing the proportion of women in law enforcement to 30 percent by 2030.

Research has consistently shown the unique benefits women bring to policing. Studies highlight that female officers often build stronger community trust, de-escalate conflict more effectively, and are statistically less likely to use force. These strengths improve public safety outcomes and strengthen bonds between departments and the communities they serve.

Folsom’s policewomen, community service officers, and animal control officers are part of this broader movement of women in law enforcement, representing the progress made since Molly May Larkin first put on a badge nearly 50 years ago. As the city marks National Police Women’s Day, the recognition serves not only as a tribute to those currently serving but also as inspiration for future generations who may choose to follow in their footsteps.

Women of the Folsom Police Department recognized today include
Officer J. Bishop – Patrol (since late 2024)
Officer W. Davis – Patrol (since 2016)
Officer M. Fancey – Patrol (since 2023)
Officer K. Lim – Patrol (since 2005)
Police Officer Recruit H. Ljubi – Former CSO, joined 2023
Lieutenant J. Marendt – Patrol (since 2004)
Officer D. McAuliff – School Resource Officer (since 2023)
Officer N. Ramos – Patrol (since 2023)
Officer M. Sanner – Patrol (since late 2024)
Officer M. Sears – School Resource Officer and Therapy Dog program with Liberty (since 2020)
Officer B. Ulm – Traffic (since 2023)
Corporal M. White – Patrol (since 2022)
Community Services Officer M. Daniero – Since 2002
Community Services Officer A. Krebsbach – Since 2024
Community Services Officer E. McAuliff – Since 2022
Animal Control Officer J. Bradely – Since 2023
Animal Control Officer D. Grondin – Since 2022

As the Folsom Police Department recognizes its own on this day of honor, the hope is that their example will inspire young women in the community to see policing as a calling and a career where they too can make a difference.

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