First female captain sworn in at county jail Kathryn York joined dept. as a corrections officer 25 years ago BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer NORTH BRUNSWICK - When Kathryn York entered the field of law enforcement in 1982, she knew she was faced with adversity as a female in a male-dominated career. After working in the state system for a year, she joined the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center staff, which now has a 10-percent ratio of females to males, but had a much lower ratio then. Yet she continued along, becoming a sergeant in 1991, a lieutenant in 1999, and the first female captain in the history of the county department as of Monday. "This is wonderful. It's like reaching for the brass ring in this business and showing my colleagues that you can make it to the top. I tend to show by example, so I can show my fellow officers that hard work will get you here," the 46-year-old South River resident said. York began as an officer because she wanted to serve the community, as well as succeed against the challenges the position presented. She eventually became the county's first work release officer, the first female firearms instructor, a PTC certified instructor, the first female permanent lieutenant and she helped open the current county jail facility located on Apple Orchard Lane. Although she was planning to retire at the end of this year, when she heard captain Marty Vitale was looking to retire by March 1, she decided this was a wonderful opportunity to culminate her career and asked to be considered. She now joins captains Mark Powell, Mark Rodcziewicz and Mike Skarzynski in the rank. "I think she's more than deserving of the job," warden Edmond Cicchi said. "She does a great job. She's respectful to people and she's well respected. She commands respect because of what she does and I'm confident she will be successful." Although York understands that men and women tend to have different perspectives on ideas, she is confident that her gender will not be a deterrent to her fellow officers. "I've been here so long. My staff appreciates me and respects me. It's all about how you carry yourself. It's not the '80s anymore. People are much more accepting of women in rank and authority," she said. "In 25 years in this industry I've seen it's a bit different how men and women think, but having a woman in this business is an asset, it truly is. We tend to give a second view." Since York is at the end of her career, she can choose to retire at any time. Although the county would like her to mark her 30th anniversary with them, she said she will take one day at a time. "If I can make [the corrections facility] run smoothly and make it better for my staff then I'll do it," she said. The facility holds a swearing-in ceremony either once or twice a year, depending on the number of officers who retire, which affects the number of new positions that are available. During this season's ceremony, eight recruits were appointed as officers and 14 officers were promoted to superior positions. Michael Coppola of South Plainfield, Frank Kerekes of Carteret, Chritos Koukourdelis of South River, John Metzger of East Brunswick, John Nortesano, Jr. of Kendall Park, Daniel Poulsen of South Amboy, Craig Poulson of Milltown and Eric Szutkowski of South River became county corrections officers. Steven Hancox of Edison, Mark Eichert, Andrew Hippeli of Milltown, Alan Deverin of Sewaren, Theresa McAtee of South River, Anthony Defuria of Edison, Charles Horter of Phillipsburg, Michael Delanoy of North Brunswick, Kristen Hansen of Cream Ridge and Charles Kravitz of Shamong were appointed as sergeants. Michael Domonoski, Pedro Delgado of Dayton, Frank Masone and Luis Montalvo of Keasbey were sworn in as lieutenants. "The recruits and superior officers who are being recognized today, and the rest of their colleagues here at the corrections center, have chosen to pursue, what I think, is a career that is demanding yet rewarding. I say that because this is a profession that is not for just anyone. The training is not easy. The job is not easy. The officers are challenged physically and mentally," said Middlesex County Freeholder Christopher Rafano, who is also the chairperson for the Committee of Law and Public Safety. "I congratulate all of the recruits we recognize today, and I remind them to follow the example of the fine superior officers who have been promoted. Day in and day out, these men and women demonstrate their dedication and commitment to keeping our residents safe. For that, I thank them and the county thanks them."