Vandergrift Police Department welcomes its first full-time female officer

The Vandergrift Police Department has made history.

Ada Vega, 22, is the first full-time female police officer in the borough.

Her hiring was approved by Vandergrift Council in April and, prior to her full-time status, Vega was hired at age 18 as a part-time officer in 2018, making her the youngest ever hired by the borough.

“If you don’t have law, you have anarchy. I just want to make sure justice gets served and people can’t get away with doing what they want,” said Vega of her decision to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Vega, of New Kensington, grew up in Butler and graduated from Butler Senior High School in 2018.

While there, she contemplated her plans after graduation and considered enlisting in the military.

“I chose being a police officer because I want to help people,” Vega said.

She graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police Academy in 2018, but said she faced hiring obstacles because she was still a teenager.

“I was really young, 18, and applying for police jobs. Most departments want an officer that’s 21. Vandergrift Council and the chief gave me a shot and were willing to give me a chance,” Vega said.

Vandergrift police Chief Joe Caporali has observed Vega on the beat and praised her professional behavior during police calls.

“It’s apparent she has a calming effect and a positive influence on the people involved. I feel that Officer Vega is an asset to this department, and I’ve received numerous favorable comments from citizens concerning her hiring,” Caporali said.

Vandergrift Councilwoman Daisha Clayton said Vega is a welcome addition to the force.

“She’s proven herself as a valuable asset while working as a part-time officer. It’s an added bonus she’s a woman, in my opinion. Representation matters. Seeing Officer Vega working within our community may inspire other young girls and women to follow in her footsteps,” Clayton said.

Vega completed a 26-weeklong police training.

She said the curriculum and physical demands of the academy were “as expected” and she credits boxing and hiking with keeping her in excellent physical shape.

Vandergrift resident Lisa Dormire met Vega on Grant Avenue during a festival.

“I believe young women should be encouraged to do what they dream they can do. I think it’s wonderful to have a new role model for the girls in Vandergrift,” Dormire said.

For Vega, being the first full-time female on the borough police force provides an opportunity for her to serve as a mentor to other females.

“The feedback from residents has been good and they have told me they’re happy to see a female,” Vega said. “I try to use empathy a lot with people, and it’s rewarding, especially when the young girls are happy to see a girl cop. It gives them a little inspiration to maybe choose law enforcement. I want to be a positive role model for young girls.”

Currently Vandergrift’s force includes eight full-time and four part-time officers, Caporali said

“I hope to earn the public’s respect and that they feel safe when I am working,” Vega said.