Marie Owens

1853–1927 (age 74)

Biography

Marie Owens, born in 1853, broke barriers as one of the nation’s first female police officers, serving the people of Chicago with dignity and resolve. She patrolled city streets with a clear sense of justice, showing that women could contribute powerfully to keeping communities safe.

Owens’s pioneering spirit opened the door for generations of women in law enforcement, and her commitment to duty remains a beacon of inspiration for those who follow in her footsteps. She exemplified courage without fanfare.