Congratulations to Winter Haven Officer Cobb who was the recipient of the Mary Thornhill Mariani Women in Law Enforcement Scholarship presented by Sherri Scarborough on March 29, 2022.
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This scholarship was established in memory of former Winter Haven Police Major Mary Thornhill Mariani and is available to full time female employees seeking a degree in a criminal justice related field; however, this is not a requirement to receive the scholarship. Major Mary ‘Ma’ Mariani served the citizens of Winter Haven and the law enforcement community for 30 years at the Winter Haven Police Department. Major Mariani served as a dispatcher and rose through the ranks to become the highest ranking female officer. Major Mariani passed away on July 28, 2009, following a long battle with cancer. She earned a bachelor degree at Barry University and a master’s degree from east Texas State University; these accomplishments reflect her belief in the importance of an education. In remembrance of the woman who made historical accomplishments in the city of Winter Haven and within the Police Department, the Thornhill family wishes to assist women of excellence of the Winter Haven Police Department in reaching for their goals of a college degree or law enforcement certification.
