'I'm very humbled': University Circle police officer wins national award for youth outreach programs

Posted June 06, 2025 in Articles

Author: Lindsay Buckingham

Officer Gloria Mercado received the Civil Rights Outstanding Youth Services Justice by Action award from NOBLE - the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement.

CLEVELAND — A University Circle police officer is being recognized on the national stage for her work with young people in our community. Officer Gloria Mercado has received the Civil Rights Outstanding Youth Services Justice by Action award from NOBLE - the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

The University Circle Police Department prides itself on what they call a "Servant's Heart" approach to policing, and Chief Thomas Wetzel says Officer Mercado exemplifies that mission perfectly. "There is no one more deserving of this award," Wetzel stated.

Mercado's path to policing is as inspiring as her current work. She came to America from Nigeria in 2010, initially working as a records clerk at Euclid Police Department. But she didn't take the leap to become a police officer until last year - at age 45.

"I was raised by a father who always wanted to help others, you know, so it just stems from you wanting to do that because you see your role model doing that," Mercado explained. "You know, wanting to treat everybody like a human being, wanting to pull out the best in everybody."

At Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School, Mercado's presence creates an immediate impact. Assistant Principal Delarisia Bruce sees it firsthand.

"They see her come in the building. They're very excited to say, 'hi, how are you? Who are you recognizing this week?'" Bruce said. "And she gets on their level. So it's not that she stands above them, she's down right there sitting next to them and engaging in conversation."

Mercado's work goes beyond simple community outreach. She's developed several programs, including Cop Scouts and gun safety education. One program that stands out is her Police Encounters initiative, where she teaches young people about what to do when engaged with a police officer. She also teaches them about their rights and what to do if mistreated by a police officer.

"It helps to bring them down. It deflects their defenses. It brings that wall down," Bruce explained. "We need some of our students to go into law enforcement. So if they see the positive in her, it's going to say, I can do that."

Officer Joe Fazio, Mercado's patrol partner who actually recruited her to the department, has witnessed her impact on calls.

"As soon as she comes out on scene, people can more identify with her, you know, they're of color and they feel more comfortable talking with her," Fazio said. "So, it's important to me that just people see police as a human."

For Mercado, being a woman of color in law enforcement carries special significance when working with young people.

"I want them to understand that size doesn't matter. Race doesn't matter. You know, you can do it," she said. "You might think you are dumb, but there's something you can do. There is always something for somebody and they can just find their niche and excel."

Despite the national recognition, Mercado remains focused on the work itself.

"I'm very humbled," she said about receiving the NOBLE award. "It just makes me want to do more. It pushes me to want to do better, you know, come up with better ideas."

When asked about her goals as a police officer, Mercado's answer is simple but powerful.

"Honestly, if I can change a life, if I can steer somebody in the right direction, you know, just get somebody to refuse to believe that their background shapes them ... get somebody to know that they're limitless, that they can do whatever they set their minds to."

The University Circle Police Department hopes that some of the children Mercado is working with now will be inspired to become police officers themselves one day, continuing that cycle of positive community impact.

https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/community/heartstrings/university-circle-police-officer-gloria-mercado-wins-national-award-youth-outreach-programs/95-4b83ccf3-5fec-494c-8b36-db0ab2081ff8