Sergeant Rose Angelakopoulos exemplifies leadership, resilience, and service in every aspect of her life. As a sergeant with the Tampa Police Department and a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army Reserve, she balances dual roles with unwavering dedication. Her journey began as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic at eight-years-old, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges of learning a new language and acclimating to a new culture. After serving in Afghanistan in the U.S. Army, she transitioned into law enforcement, where she continues to make a profound impact. 

Sgt. Angelakopoulos serves as the executive officer to the chief of police and as the department’s Hispanic liaison. She has pioneered initiatives to bridge language barriers, including launching Spanish-language social media platforms and translating critical public safety resources. Her leadership extends to mentoring youth through the Bigs in Blue program and co-creating the Shielding Our Teens initiative, which prepares high school students for employment. She also chairs the language incentive program and has helped Tampa Police Department expand their Spanish educational materials, social media, and emergency information.  

Sgt. Angelakopoulos’s commitment to excellence is evident in her academic and military achievements, including earning a master’s degree and being named Distinguished Honor Graduate in the Army’s Senior Leadership Course. Despite the demand of policing, she prioritizes her family and community, attending school events for her daughters and mentoring a young girl who also migrated to the United States. 

"Leadership isn’t about rank—it’s about lifting others, one person at a time."