First black woman joins top ranks of sheriff’s administration

She made Saginaw County history twice. First when she was promoted and became the first black female sergeant in 2008 and again in November when she became the first black full-time lieutenant in the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department.

A lot has changed since Ebony Simmons-Rasco’s dad worked there from 1977-96, and her boss agrees.

Sheriff William Federspiel said that his command staff – which consists of an undersheriff and three lieutenants – has historically “been Caucasian males, for the most part.”

Rasco said a goal she set with her pastor, the late Rev. Rufus Bradley, was to attain the title she has now.

“Just three years later, it’s here,” Rasco said. “It’s been overwhelming. I wish he was here to see it.”

Diversity is key

Of the five lieutenants, there are two white men, one white woman, one black woman and one Latino man.

Before he took office in 2009, Federspiel said it was rare for minorities or women to work on the command staff.

“I’d like to think that our percentage of employees represent the demographics of the community,” he said.

Lt. Mike Gomez has worked in the sheriff’s office for more than 20 years and oversees the law enforcement division.

“Federspiel has brought an outside-the-box- way of thinking, and it works,” Gomez said.

Gomez said Federspiel’s ideology works for community policing, especially when some of the residents don’t feel like they are represented.

Marsha Austin, who oversees the administrative/financial division, was hired almost 20 years ago along with Rasco, who now is in charge of the jail transition division.

A diverse staff will help workers communicate effectively, she said.

“I think that by having a diverse command staff we learn about each other and each other’s backgrounds and how to deal with each other and our staff,” Austin said.

Mark Przybylski oversees emergency operations center/ homeland …

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