
Officer Fayetta Bland-Moore, on January 19, 1989, became the first woman hired as a sworn officer under the leadership of Orange Police Director Charles Cobbertt. The Director saw the need for diversifying the rank and file. By adding women to a position that was exclusively believed for men.
After in-service training Officer Bland-Moore, Vitellio and Esposito were assigned to the Essex County Police Academy for training. Due to her not being able to qualify at the range she was dismissed from the police academy. Thankful for Director Cobbertt’s determination and persistence to hire females in the department a week later she was enrolled in the Newark Police Department Police Academy. On August 4, 1989 Officer Bland-Moore graduated from the academy. During her 20 years with the Orange Police Department she worked a variety of assignments including patrol officer, dispatch, undercover, Juvenile Det., Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC), 911 phone system training, Sexual Assault/Crisis Intervention, Breathalyzer Technician and various grants.
After witnessing and enjoying unprecedented growth within the Police Department Officer Bland- Moore retired from the Orange Police Department September 2009 and moved to Statesboro, Georgia. She is married to Thadious Moore, the mother of 5 children and grandmother of 8 grandchildren. She now spends time enjoying the grandkids, working in her garden and being active in New Covenant Church, traveling and shopping.
“Reach Back with One Hand and Pull Someone Else Up With You.”
– Charles C. Cobbertt
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