Mexican women police chiefs seek to lead their communities to safety. Despite security concerns due to very high crime rates, mother of five Olga Herrera Castillo took on the job of police chief for the town of Villa Luz, while Ms. Veronica Rios Ontiveros now heads the police department in El Vergel. Last month, 20-year-old Marisol Valles Garcia was elected chief of police in Praxedis G. Guerrero, a town near Ciudad Juarez. Speaking of the challenges presented by her role, Ms. Castillo said, “Everything is possible. Although Mexico is going through a crisis right now, there is a solution. With the support of the federal authorities and Mexico's president, we can all achieve this. Although we are women, we want Mexico to pull through, starting with our town, our people, our children.”

We are touched and salute Police Chiefs Castillo, Ontiveros and Garcia, for your courageous fulfillment of vital roles in your communities. May God protect you always and guide you in your noble pursuit of peace and safety for all.