Pinellas Park Police Chief Dorene Thomas is retiring after 40 years in law enforcement.

"My first job at St. Pete Beach Police Department and I was, at that time I was hired as a meter maid," said Chief Thomas. "Now we term it as a parking enforcement officer."

That job led to a patrol position with Pinellas Park Police Department.

"I was excited, I was excited and my dream had come true," she said.

A dream come true for Thomas, who in 1980 was the first sworn female officer in the department.

"The evidence locker room was located in the men’s locker room, so I had to knock on the door to go in and put the evidence in," she said.

In 2000, the first woman officer became the first female police chief.

"When I came here I never thought I would be chief," she said. "I thought, 'Gee, maybe I’d like to be sergeant one day.' "

Thomas has held many positions, from meter maid and patrolman to crime scene tech and sergeant. Now, decades later, she has decided to retire.

"We’re in a good place," Thomas said. "We like each other and we’re going forward. I think that’s what I’m most proud of."

Thomas describes her career as eventful and fulfilling. She’s also proud of initiating intensive crisis intervention training.

"Shows people how to work with people with behavioral health issues," she said. "It’s a way of educating. It’s a way for us to be able to help people."

As Chief Thomas packs up and prepares for her final week of work, she hopes her service has made a difference.

"What I’d like to leave is a message to balance your life and I hope that I’ve made a difference in yours as you have made in mine."