First woman promoted to captain in Troy PD

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A historic milestone for the City of Troy as the first woman has been raised to the rank of captain. The mayor and police chief swore in Mary Magnetto, who has worked for the Troy Police Department for nearly two decades.

“I’ve always loved Troy. My family is from Troy. My in-laws are from Troy. It’s just a great city and I really would never want to work anywhere else, but here,” said Magnetto.

Magnetto was in the patrol division as a field training officer and has worked as an evidence technician. In her most recent position – up until Thursday –  she was a detective sergeant. She’s also served on the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. She has served Troy for 17 years. 

Mayor Carmella Mantello reflected on a time when her dad was on the force and there weren’t many women officers. She called Thursday a momentous occasion in the history of the Troy Police Department.

“It doesn’t really hit you in the moment because you are out there just working hard day in and day out, 24/7, dealing with obviously the good things, the bad things, etc. Doing your job, but it does hit you when somebody says that,” said Mantello.

Magnetto said it’s exciting working at the department because everyday is different and never boring. She looks forward to taking on a new role. 

“I don’t know if it has sunk in yet. They’ve never treated me any differently at the police department. I’ve always just been Mary, so to have that differentiation…I don’t know, I don’t think it’s sunk in yet,” said Magnetto.

“We are breaking that glass ceiling, and we are so proud of it, but our performance is what it’s going to be based upon,” said Mantello.

Mantello commended Magnetto’s journey through the ranks and said it’s been marked by a relentless pursuit of justice, a deep commitment to community and an unwavering dedication to her colleagues. Police Chief Daniel DeWolf echoed that.

“You will be great, Mary. We are proud of your accomplishments here at T.P.D. and we wish you great success you’re going to be awesome,” said DeWolf.

Mantello left her with some words of advice.

“You are going to have some great moments, some good days. You are going to have some bad days. You just have to block out the negativity. There’s just a lot of negative out there sometimes, you just have to block it out. You have to stay focused on your job. Stay focused on the mission,” said Mantello.