b'how safe (people) feel, Moon adds. Its a part of our culture at the Sheriffs Office that, when youre providing that service, to think, who would you want to show up to take that report or to make that notification? And to be that person.Her vision of the office boils down to this, Moon says: I care.WOMEN COMING UP CANSEE THEMSELVESHer father, Jim Moon, had worked in local law enforcement for 29 years. So the particular form of service that law enforcement embodies was a part of her growing up. Yet despite moms encouragement, Moon didnt see herself as a candidate for sheriff, she says. She calls herself a doer, organized, an implementer of plans rather than the one to say what needs to be done. Furthermore, women typically seek to master needed skills before launching into something new, while men typically have more confidence in tackling a job theyve never held, she observes. Nevertheless, when former Sheriff Keith Royal announced he would not seek re-election, and as people in the department discussed the possibilities, Moon came to a conclusion: After sitting in all the positions I just felt a personal responsibility to my organization, she recalls. Theyve given me all the training and all the experience. Why wouldnt I run?Now, Moon is one of four women sheriffs in Californias 58 counties. Another 19 women police chiefs lead among the states 333 municipal police departments, according to the California Police Chiefs Association. Nationally, women made up more than 11 percent of law enforcement officers, compared to being more than 46 percent of the working population, according to a 2001 study by the National Center for Women and Policing. So, while women have made important advances in law enforcement, more work remains to mentor young women and promote them into positions of responsibility, Moon says.I CARE - Shannan MoonPhoto byShe adds, Im proud to say that young women canKristofer B. Wakefieldlook at our agency and say, I see myself there.Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon says softball is good for her mental health, and she plays at least twice weekly in several leagues in town and beyond.Says Moon, Its fun to see how people, even as you get older, still have the drive to play. You may not have the level of skills you thought you had before, but its super fun to get out.Business 2020 17'