If you have a preconceived notion of what type of person a police officer is, chances are good that Yvetta Dominique will prove you wrong.
She’s known more for her smile than any sort of stereotype.
Dominique was born on Florida’s east coast, but eventually made her way to Fort Myers about 25 years ago.
She worked all sorts of jobs – was even a singer in a reggae band – before finally pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a police officer.
"In 2008 is when I got sworn in,” Dominique, who works for the Fort Myers Police Department, told Gulf Coast News. “I've been here ever since.”
Her personality made her a perfect fit for FMPD’s Community Engagement Unit.
She was featured in a 2022 Gulf Coast News story from Dunbar, the community she’s spent most of her career serving.
For her, the job is about more than just putting people in jail.
“When I come out here, I treat people with respect. I talk to people. I engage with kids," Dominique said. “I don't put myself as just working here. I'm a part of this village.”
A big part of that is her work with kids. Dominique has spent much of her time in the local schools and as part of the Police Athletic League.
“At the end of the day, you have an opportunity to do better. And be better. And that's what I normally tell kids,” she explained.
Dominique had to overcome a fear of failing to become a police officer. Now, it's clear: she’s not failing—she's excelling .
In 2014 – she was honored as a police officer of the year for the area, and in January, she was promoted to sergeant.
She’s the first Black female to hold the position in the Fort Myers Police Department.
“It is an accomplishment, and I am honored, again, to have been that person. But for me, it is about the hard work. Putting in that hard work," Dominique said.
Sergeant Dominique now supervises a patrol team for the department. She’s grateful for the people who’ve helped her get to this point and hopes she can help prove the power of hard work – no matter who you are.
“You can be anything. Everything. President. The next chief. The next sergeant. So, to me it is about the time, the work that you put into it,” she said.