Brooklet Chief of Police Michelle Reolegio is a people person, and her favorite thing about Brooklet is its residents.
"Everyone here is so nice," she says.
Born and raised in Savannah, her desire to assist others is one of the things she loves most about her job.
"We just love that people are comfortable with us; we definitely want to be that police department where they can come in and talk."
Reolegio started her career in dispatch in 1997. After completing the police academy, she began her patrolling days in 2004, which comprised most of her career.
The wife, mother of three, and grandmother of two doesn't hesitate to credit her father when asked why she chose a career in law enforcement. Reolegio's father served for the Chatham County Police Department for 38 and a half years.
"I grew up with my dad being a police officer," she says, though she notes that her dad made sure to separate his family and home life from the difficult things he observed as an officer.
"When you go home, you've got to leave it at the door. I have to say my dad was real good at that."
For over 25 years, Reolegio has called Effingham County home. She and her husband raised their three daughters there. The couple met when Reolegio was just 20 years old. At the time, she and her husband both worked for Walmart, although they worked at different stores. A remodel of one of the stores brought the two together.
"I've known him more than half my life," she says.
Reolegio didn't have long to enjoy retirement from the Chatham County Police Department; a family friend and colleague of her dad's had big plans for her. Retired Police Chief Gary Roberts was instrumental in bringing Reolegio to Brooklet, where she now has the distinction of being Brooklet's first permanent female police chief.
In 2014, Sgt. Tracy Atkinson became the department's first female chief, serving on an interim basis following the resignation of Mike Buchan. Atkinson was a beloved member of the police force in Brooklet, formerly working with the Georgia Southern Department of Public Safety, and made a huge impact on the community through her work and compassion for citizens.
"No pressure, right?" Reolegio says with a laugh when asked how it feels to be the first permanent female police chief the city of Brooklet. "It feels amazing."
The Brooklet Police Department currently consists of a police records/court clerk, two officers, and the police chief. They are currently close to hiring one more officer to join the team. She plans to continue to increase the number of officers on her staff, so the department can be staffed 24 hours a day.
"It's been really busy," Reolegio explains, summarizing her first month in her new official position. "Eventually, I'd love to have at least eight. It's safer with two, two for each shift."
Reolegio also wants to update the equipment the Brooklet PD currently has. Her hope is to purchase newer vehicles complete with MDTs (mobile data terminals), radars, tasers, and body cameras. She plans to apply for grants to secure funds for these endeavors.
"It's going to take time," she says.
When she has a day off, Reolegio can be found spending time with her daughters, ages 28, 24, and 18, her granddaughter, 7, grandson, 4, and her beloved animals. "I have six dogs; I have three pigs, three cats, and I have a bearded dragon," she shares.
She also loves watching true crime shows. "I watch them like crazy," she laughs.
When asked to name her favorite part of police work, she answers immediately.
"People," she says. "You get to meet so many different people. The people are amazing. Of course, sometimes you see the worst, but you can help. That's why you're there: to help."
For more information about Brooklet Police Department, please visit their website.
