Jo Ann Armenta - First Latina Trooper and Sergeant in the Illinois State Police.

Jo Ann Armenta, daughter of Mexican-American parents, grew up in Chicago. Armenta was an honor student throughout high school and received a 4-year scholarship at the University of Illinois, graduating in 1973. A bit of an adventurer, Armenta traveled extensively through Europe and the United States prior to entering a career in law enforcement.

In 1979, Armenta was hired by the Illinois State Police (ISP), becoming the first Latina to be sworn in as an Illinois State Trooper. Her career ran the gamut from patrol to criminal and internal investigations. In 1988, she was promoted to (detective) Sergeant, becoming the first Latina to be promoted to Sergeant in the ISP.

A few years later, she successfully completed the advanced police management training course at Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and earned her master’s degree.

In 2002, Armenta retired from the ISP to a full and active life. Whether it’s as a police officer or a volunteer in her community, Armenta has been proactive in helping others and serving as a mentor for the youth she meets. In 2021, Armenta received an Illinois State Legislature House Resolution recognizing her Life-Time of Service.

In 2021, Colonel Margaret McGreal (right) became the first female to be appointed to Colonel of ISP Division of Patrol, which comprises 1,096 sworn officers and 96 code personnel throughout Illinois.