09/12/2026
👮🏼National Police Woman Day👮🏼
Today, we recognize and honor a woman who made history with the Lorain County Sheriff's Office.
Ginny Tolento (Montville) was born in 1950 to a very unlikely couple. Her father a Mexican immigrant who came to the United States for work at U.S. Steel in Lorain. Her mother, of Native American descent, had been homeless as a teenager and spent her childhood at the Lorain County Children's Home in Oberlin. Later known as Green Acres.
Ginny was the oldest of eight children. When she was 12 years old, she and her siblings were removed from their home because of neglect and abuse. Ginny and her two sisters were placed in Green Acres. Although it was one of the saddest moments of her childhood, Ginny quickly realized that being removed from her home was probably the saddest but best thing that ever happened to her.
She met her foster parents, the Presti family, through church and they changed the direction of her life. They welcomed her into their family and Ginny remained with them until she graduated from high school in 1968.
Ginny was awarded a scholarship to Lorain County Community College and entered the Police Science Program. Which was new at the time. For most of her time in the program, she was the only female student.
While attending LCCC, she volunteered with the Oberlin Police Department as a dispatcher, office worker and became an intern under Police Chief Robert Ferber.
Because Ginny was supporting herself, she attended school part time and often worked more than one job at a time. In 1969, she was hired full time as a dispatcher for the Ohio State Highway Patrol in Elyria while continuing her education.
Her extensive training with the teletype system became one of her strengths and she was able to help introduce the Law Enforcement Automated Data System, to other local departments.
In May 1973, Ginny was approached by Captain James Mertz of the Lorain County Sheriff's Office to determine if she would be interested in becoming the first female deputy sheriff with the Lorain County Sheriff's Office.
At the time, women in law enforcement were entering a profession that was still largely made up of men and Ginny knew she would face challenges. She was encouraged to make changes to fit into the role. Including cutting her very long hair.
Ginny accepted the challenge.
After completing the LCSO Academy, which also included completing the Auxiliary Training Program beforehand, Ginny was ready to begin her career on the road.
Ginny's time with the Lorain County Sheriff's Office was an important part of her personal journey. Although being a woman in law enforcement during the 1970s was not always easy, she welcomed the opportunity and learned a great deal from the experience.
In 1975, Ginny joined the United States Marshal Service after completing an extensive background investigation.
After she and her husband, a retired Deputy U.S. Marshal, moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to his family, Ginny devoted time to raising their two children. She later worked at a local women's prison in a program designed to provide positive visitation between inmates and their children.
Ginny says she will always honor and respect the career path she chose and does not regret her time with the Lorain County Sheriff's Office.
Her legacy has continued through her family. Her daughter volunteered with the NYPD Auxiliary while working at Columbia University and her grandson is currently serving as an Army Military Police officer.
From overcoming a difficult childhood to becoming the first female deputy sheriff in Lorain County, Ginny's story is one of perseverance, dedication and service.
Today, on National Police Woman Day, we honor Ginny Tolento and the history she made with the Lorain County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you Ginny for helping pave the way for the women who followed.
