By: Richard L. Smith
In a groundbreaking moment for the Essex County Sheriff's Office (ECSO), history was made on July 11 as officials welcomed the first black female captain in the agency's long-standing history, Essex County Sherrif's Office confirmed with RLS Media.
The promotion ceremony, held at the Leroy Smith Public Safety Building on West Market Street in Newark, was attended by a standing-room-only crowd of family, friends, and state and county officials, all gathered to witness another significant milestone from Essex County.
Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontura presided over the ceremony, where 15 law enforcement officers were elevated to higher ranks, including sergeants, lieutenants, and several captains, with Zipporah Thomas-Jenkins among the first African American female.
Sheriff Fontura read the bios of all 15 dedicated officers while attendees looked on and cheered for this great moment for Essex County.
According to Captain Zipporah Thomas-Jenkins' bio, RLS Media learned that she hails from and was born and raised in Essex County. She dedicated an impressive 22 years of service to the ECSO.
Before being promoted to Captain, Thomas-Jenkins served as a Lieutenant in the Bureau of Narcotics, where she has demonstrated exemplary commitment and expertise for the past eight years.
Before her role in the Bureau of Narcotics, Captain Thomas-Jenkins spent a commendable 14 years in the Courts Division, working across criminal, family, and civil court cases. Her dedication to service is evident, as she even spent some time at the Essex County Jail before joining the ECSO.
With a passion for education and personal growth, RLS Media learned that Captain Thomas-Jenkins obtained her Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from Montclair State University in 2002.
She continued her pursuit of knowledge, earning her Master's Degree in Government Administration from the College of St. Elizabeth in 2019.
Beyond her professional achievements, Captain Thomas-Jenkins is a loving wife to Thomas Jenkins and a devoted mother to her two daughters, Olivia (age 15) and Harlow (age 12). She takes pride in her family and attributes her success to their unwavering support.
According to information obtained from Captain Thomas-Jenkins' bio, she enjoys exploring the world through travel, broadening her horizons, and embracing diverse cultures in her spare time.
The promotion of Captain Thomas-Jenkins to the position of captain is a personal triumph and a milestone for diversity and inclusion within the ECSO.
Her dedication and achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring law enforcement officers, particularly women and individuals wanted to excel in the field. Captain Thomas-Jenkins is an example of those breaking barriers and achieving excellence.
RLS Media attempted to reach Captain Thomas-Jenkins for an interview/statement on this story, but she declined to speak to us.
As Captain Zipporah Thomas-Jenkins assumes her new responsibilities, she does so with the support and admiration of her colleagues, friends, family, and community.
