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Maine’s first and only female sheriff to turn in her badge

Knox County Sheriff Donna Dennison said she is retiring after more than 30 years in law enforcement.

ROCKLAND (NEWS CENTER Maine) – Knox County Sheriff Donna Dennison said she is retiring after more than 30 years in law enforcement.

Dennison is Maine’s first and only female county sheriff.

"It's a first and it just shows other women that they can do this,” Dennison said.

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She was first elected to the post in November of 2006. Up against two well-known and qualified men, she first won by a small margin.

"I didn't think I stood a chance. I really didn't. But I said I'll try it!,” she said.

In fact, she admitted that she went to bed on election night after seeing she was so far behind. Then she received a call in the middle of the night to congratulate her on her win.

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"I couldn't believe it. I just couldn't believe it,” Dennison said.

Now almost 12 years later, she is leaving her position once her term is up in December. Reflecting on her career, Dennison said she somewhat fell in to law enforcement—starting out as a matron at the Knox County Jail in the 1980s.

"[The men] didn't dress the same as the women. The women wore smocks that made you look like you were pregnant,” she said.

Dennison quickly rose up the ranks, becoming a dispatcher, then a deputy and even a detective. She said being a detective was the most rewarding position.

"I think some people might perceive me as hardcore but I'm not,” she joked.

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Born in Waterville and dropping out of high school, Dennison wanted to be a veterinarian. She credits her success with a willingness to take the chance when a new opportunity presented itself.

"I'm a great hand at always trying something new,” Dennison said.

Although she is turning in her badge, she hopes her career shows other women that they too can enter a male-dominated field.

"Now women are starting to climb up there and I'm glad to see it. It's time,” she said.

Dennison said she plans to travel, enjoy her farm and even do some lobstering with her free time.

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