Riverhead veteran Evelyn Hobson-Womack honored as Suffolk women veterans honoree
Evelyn Hobson-Womack was honored in Hauppauge after becoming Riverhead’s first African American woman officer and first Black detective. Her path ran from Army Reserve service to 28 years on the job.
Riverhead resident Evelyn Hobson-Womack was honored June 23 as Suffolk County’s First Legislative District Women Veterans Appreciation Honoree. She became the first African American woman to serve as a Riverhead police officer and later the first woman and first African American promoted to detective in the Riverhead Town Police Department.
The recognition came during the Suffolk County Legislature’s general meeting in Hauppauge. Suffolk County created its Women Veterans Appreciation Day program under Resolution No. 94-2020, and the county designates June 12 as Women Veterans Appreciation Day. Each of the county’s 18 legislators selects one woman veteran from their district for the annual honor.
Hobson-Womack graduated from Riverhead High School in 1983, then enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and served six years, reaching the rank of specialist, E-4. She joined the Riverhead Town Police Department in 1993 and retired in 2021 after 28 years of service, a career that ended with a ceremonial walkout outside Riverhead police headquarters as fellow officers, family, friends and town employees applauded.
She worked for the Riverhead Central School District from 1989 to 1997 and as a nursing home nurse’s aide in Riverhead from 1989 to 1993. She also helped support Go Girls, an initiative aimed at encouraging and empowering young women.
Greg Doroski presented the honor. She is a lifelong Riverhead resident, mother and wife.
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