Courage -Pride-Commitment 

                                                         OVER 65 Years

Orlando Police Officer C.Y. Rollerson was the first in her immediate family to start a career in law enforcement. Twenty-five years ago she joined the Orlando Police Department with the hopes of helping to protect the citizens of Orlando. Two years later she convinced her younger sister, Denise Brown, to apply as a civilian Community Service Officer. Seeing his older sisters’ love of OPD, Reggie Smith joined the OPD family. Together the siblings have served the citizens of Orlando with over 65 years of service.

In our meeting, the siblings spent much time reminiscing about the changes they have seen in the Orlando community and the Orlando Police Department. 

In her 25 years with the Orlando Police Department, C.Y. has worked in Patrol, Property Investigations, Crimes Against Children and Sex Crimes. In her current position as a School Resource Officer, she has bonded with students at Dr Phillips High School, Carver Middle School and the Alternative Center for Truancy. C.Y. began embracing community oriented policing as early as 1983 while patrolling the Ivey Lane area. Her dedication to the residents, and specifically the children of Orlando, makes her a perfect officer to work in the schools. C.Y. is active in the YMCA Achievers program as well as the Teen Crime Prevention Academy.

Denise Brown has spent 24 years with the Orlando Police Department as a civilian. Currently working as the Records Unit Supervisor, she has also worked as a Community Service Officer and Community Service Officer Supervisor, as well as working in OPD’s Criminal Investigative Division. Denise has a great level of respect for the people she works with on a daily basis. She treats everyone with dignity- spreading her positive attitude to everyone she meets. When not at work, Denise is very much involved in her church and also fills the role as Super Mom to her family.

Reggie Smith was the last in his family to join OPD.  Reggie entered the Police Academy after serving four years with the US Marine Corps. A member of the OPD family for 17 years, he has worked in Patrol, the Bike Unit, Uniform and Undercover Drugs as well as Motors. Reggie tries to always be approachable, yet does not sugar coat what he says. When asked about his most memorable experience with OPD, he recalls the murder of an unarmed convenience store clerk and the subsequent arrest of the suspect. In addition to numerous team awards, Reggie has received an Award of Commendation for apprehending an armed suspect without using deadly force. In his free time Reggie spends time with his family, and loves to golf and ride his motorcycle.

Since starting with the Orlando Police Department, the siblings have seen many changes within the agency and the community. Changes in technology, diversity and uniform color are just a few that the family has seen. When CY patrolled 25 years ago, she had to check out her car and radio at the beginning of every shift. She could count the number of black female officers on one hand. Reggie’s academy class was the first to wear blue, rather than brown uniforms. Today the siblings see better training and sharing of information along with incredible advances in technology.

C.Y., Denise, and Reggie grew up in Orlando, with a large extended family that still meets every Sunday for supper. Raised in a two-parent family, the siblings were taught strong values, morals and respect for others. The siblings have built countless friendships within the Orlando Police Department and by doing so have helped to spread the family atmosphere within the agency.