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It is with deep regret that I announce the
death of Major Mary Thornhill Mariani (Retired). Major Mariani was
diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer around October 2000 and after a long and
courageous battle, Mary passed away this morning approximately 0700
hours. Throughout this ordeal, Major Mariani maintained a positive
attitude and kept those around her upbeat. Mary served the citizens of
Winter Haven for over thirty (30) years as a Winter Haven Police
Officer. During her tenure with the department Mary served in the
following positions:
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May 28, 1973, Mary was hired
as a Police Dispatcher
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May 20, 2974, Mary was hired
as a Police Officer
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October 6, 1975, Mary was
promoted to Police Corporal
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December 12, 1977, Mary was
promoted to Police Sergeant
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February 2, 1981, Mary was
promoted to Police Lieutenant
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November 17, 1995, Mary was
promoted to Acting Police Captain
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June 6, 1996, promoted to
Captain
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April 4, 1997, promoted to
Acting Major/Deputy Chief
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October 1, 1998, promoted to
Major
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Served in Support Services
and Professional Standards
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Retired on November 4, 2003
to accept employment at Polk Community College
Other accomplishments:
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Mary was one of the first two
female patrol officers at Winter Haven Police Department
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Mary rose through the ranks
and became the highest ranked female officer
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Mary obtained a Bachelor’s
Degree in American History from Barry University
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Master’s Degree in Counseling
from East Texas State University
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Mary received a Doctor of
Philosophy Degree in Management from LaSalle University in Louisiana
with a dissertation on Community Service Officer: An Alternative to
Sworn Police Officers
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Mary started the Domestic
Abuse Response Team and became identified as an expert in the field
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Mary and a respective team of
other experts in the domestic violence field traveled to the
Republic of Moldova to assist with program development,
collaboration, implementation, resource utilization and acquisition,
program documentation, communication and skills training
-
Mary received the Virginia
Snively “She Knows Where She is Going” award.
-
Mary received the National
Association of Social Workers “Public Citizen of the Year” award
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Mary’s personnel file
contains numerous commendations and complimentary letters from
citizens
In addition, Mary Mariani was
known by the majority of her command as “Ma.” She will be missed by
many but will not suffer anymore. Funeral arrangements will be announced
as soon as possible. All Winter Haven Police Officers shall wear badge
covers until further notice as a result of the loss of our police family
member.
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