Marietta Hires First New Female Officer in 25 Years

Samantha Tromblay joins the Marietta police force as the city works to fill staffing vacancies.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Marietta Hires First New Female Officer in 25 Years

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Samantha Tromblay was sworn in on October 14, 2026, marking the first time the Marietta Police Department has hired a female officer since 1996. Tromblay, who joins the force after transferring from the Columbus Police Department, is the fourth woman to serve in the department's history.

Why it matters

The hire reflects a strategic shift in the city's approach to recruitment as the department addresses a competitive hiring environment and broader national staffing shortages. By modifying hiring processes and increasing advertising, Marietta is attempting to bolster its ranks and expand representation within its force.

The police department currently maintains 28 active officers with two vacancies remaining. Five additional recruits are currently training at the police academy and are expected to begin patrol duty in mid-December 2026.

The players

Samantha Tromblay

She is the newest police officer for Marietta and the first female hire for the department in 25 years.

Katie Warden

She was the last female officer hired by the Marietta Police Department prior to 2026.

The details

Tromblay transferred laterally to the city to be closer to her home in Waterford, while a second new officer also recently joined the department after moving from New Jersey. These additions are part of a larger push by the city to improve its staffing numbers through revised outreach efforts.

1996: Katie Warden was the last female officer hired by the department.
October 14, 2026: Samantha Tromblay was officially sworn in.
October 19, 2026: Samantha Tromblay begins her first street patrol work.
December 2026: Five recruits are expected to finish the academy and begin active duty.

Legal Context

Marietta's recruitment drive follows the national trend of police staffing shortages that have forced municipalities to modernize hiring practices. These efforts mirror recent legal and administrative shifts in how local departments compete for personnel in a tight labor market.

Residents may notice an increase in active-duty personnel on patrol once the new recruits complete their training later this year. This staffing expansion is intended to help the department maintain consistent coverage across the city's police beats.

The takeaway

The addition of new officers highlights the ongoing efforts of local departments to adapt to modern workforce challenges. Prospective applicants interested in departmental hiring cycles should monitor official municipal career portals for future recruit testing dates.

What happens next

Five police academy recruits are scheduled to complete their training in mid-December 2026 and are expected to begin working on the street shortly thereafter.