People are still talking about the "appointment" of Mary Ann Tellis to the position of assistant police chief at the Monroe Police Department. Tellis has put in about 33 years of service. Many would say she has undoubtedly "paid" her dues. What may be confusing to some in the public is that Tellis was PROMOTED to the rank of Assistant Police Chief, not appointed, as has been previously reported by various media outlets. The community celebrates Assistant Chief Tellis, but make no mistake. Tellis EARNED the position that she now occupies, and it was not something that was given. This new honor is reflective of her consistent commitment and steady climb through the rank of positions at MPD, ranging from Sergeant in 2002, Lieutenant in 2009, Captain in 2014, all the way to the level of Major in 2015. In a press release announcement by MPD, Tellis was cited as being "appointed" twice, not being "promoted". On the MPD Facebook page, Tellis was announced as being "promoted". Assistant Monroe Police Chief Mary Ann Tellis' Promotion Ceremony was held Thursday, March 25, 2021, at the Monroe Safety Center in Monroe, LA. Many citizens witnessed this historic promotion during March, which is Women's History month.

The correct handling of the announcement is that Tellis, in fact, is being promoted to Assistant Police Chief not only because she had the seniority but also had to pass the Civil Service test that officers must take in order to move up the ladder. Tellis will replace Assistant Chief Don Bartley, who retired after 45 years of service as a police officer. The Assistant Chief of Police position has to be filled and tested within a specific time frame. The Chief of Police is appointed by the mayor and can be anybody, local or out-of-town, as long as they are qualified, pass the test/exam, and complete an interview with the mayor.

It may be doing a disservice to Tellis if there are those who believe that she was appointed, instead of being promoted, because one word, can make a difference. It would not matter how many wonderful endorsements/accolades Tellis may have had on her side; the fact is that she had to go through the process in order to be the first Black female Assistant Chief of Police. No one, not even Police Chief Vic Zordan or Mayor Friday Ellis, could form a committee and decide to "appoint" Tellis to the position. It may look good from a community/human relations viewpoint, saying that something historic "didn't take long under his" administration, not former mayors, but all of the credit goes to Tellis. The community will agree that she is as deserving as anybody. The city of Monroe will be in the news cycle for a little while, as people will look upon the remarkable accomplishment of Officer Tellis. It is equally important that our leaders set the record straight and inform the community that it was not anything that a mayoral administration "did", or (hopefully not) take credit for Tellis' rise within MPD. Tellis, to her credit, thanked the women who came before her, and she wants to be an inspiration for young girls who may have the same dream.