Armenian-American Sisters Honored with Big Promotions at Glendale Police Department

In a special occasion this month, the Glendale Police Department (GPD) promoted two Armenian-American sisters, marking a historic milestone for the community. Sergeant Olga Varouzian and Custody Supervisor Anasheh Varoujan, who are biological sisters, were both elevated to supervisory roles in a joint ceremony, honoring their dedication and contributions to the department and the community they proudly serve. The Armenian Report attended the promotion ceremony and interviewed Olga and Anasheh. 

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO REPORT HERE:

About Sergeant Olga Varouzian

Raised in Glendale, Olga Varouzian is a testament to the strength of community roots. She attended local schools before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Cal State LA and a master’s degree in public administration from National University. Olga began her career with the Glendale Police Department in 2005 as a records community service officer. Her passion for law enforcement led her to be sworn in as a Reserve Police Officer in 2010, followed by her appointment as a full-time Police Officer in 2012.

Throughout her career, Olga has taken on various challenging roles. From serving on patrol between 2012 and 2016 to being assigned to the Investigative Services Division, specifically in the Burglary unit, she has demonstrated a commitment to solving complex cases. Her involvement with the Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force in 2018 and her ongoing participation in the Crisis Negotiation Team since 2014 shows her versatility and dedication to the department.

Olga’s promotion to sergeant is not just a professional achievement but a personal victory as well. “It’s a big responsibility and an honor to be in this position—not only to promote the Glendale Police Department but also to look out for the community that I grew up in,” Olga told The Armenian Report in an interview. Her deep connection to Glendale, where she still has family and friends, fuels her commitment to public safety and bridging the gap between the police department and the community.

About Anasheh Varoujan

Anasheh Varoujan, born in Iran and raised in Glendale, began her law enforcement career in January 2007 as a police cadet. By December of the same year, she advanced to the role of Custody Officer, where she has excelled for over 17 years. Anasheh’s dedication to her work within the Custody Bureau, particularly as a senior custody officer for the past six years, has been marked by her involvement in various committees that aim to enhance the department’s operations.

Anasheh’s promotion to Custody Supervisor shows her leadership and commitment to the role. Her ability to communicate with individuals in their mother tongue, particularly in the Armenian community, has been a source of comfort during challenging times. “Being able to speak their language has a very soothing effect. In such an uncomfortable situation, being able to stand there, speak to them in their language, explain that it’s going to be okay, what the next steps are—I’m very proud to be able to offer that kind of comfort,” Anasheh said to The Armenian Report.

Service and Community Representation

The promotion of Olga and Anasheh is not just a professional milestone but a significant moment for the Armenian community in Glendale. The sisters have long been advocates for representation within the police force, acknowledging the importance of having officers who understand and speak the language of the community they serve.

Reflecting on the changes within the department, Olga noted, “Internally, at the Glendale Police Department, we’ve hired a lot more Armenian officers and employees than when I started 19 years ago. I enjoy seeing that change and take pride in it.” Anasheh added, “Our jobs are quite different—we do help each other—but I work in the jail, where I come across a large population of the Armenian community. Being able to speak their mother tongue has a very soothing effect.”

Their mother, who witnessed the ceremony with pride, has been a steadfast supporter throughout their careers, despite the inherent dangers of their jobs. “It was very difficult for her, especially at the beginning. I worked nights and weekends, and every siren she heard, she thought it was me,” Olga shared. The promotions are a testament to their dedication, both to their family and to the community they serve.

Message from the Chief

Glendale Police Chief Manny Cid, who spoke at the promotion ceremony, emphasized the importance of leadership, adaptability, and community service. He urged the newly promoted officers to embrace change, take care of their colleagues, and always prioritize the community. “Take care of this community because they take care of us. They are incredibly supportive of us. Foster that and preserve that at every turn and make sure you do right by the people around you,” Chief Cid advised.

His words resonated with the promotional group, reminding them of the long-standing tradition of excellence within the department. “This department has been here for over 118 years, with an incredibly high standard. People that came before us and those who gave their lives to protect that organization to make it better. And it’s our job while we are here for our time to protect that and lead it better for the folks that are going to come after us in the future,” Chief Cid concluded.

The Armenian Report’s Interview Transcript with Olga and Anashe:

The Armenian Report: I'm so proud. Over the past four years, it has been so hard to find positive Armenia- or Armenian-related stories. When Vahe told me about your promotions, I said, "I’m there; this is so perfect for our audience."

A big chunk of our readers are in Glendale and I want to introduce our readers to what it means to have you both as part of the community. The Armenians of Glendale—we've been living here and growing the community. When I was growing up, I remember that we didn't have enough representation. But now, here I am, grown up, doing a story about how there is representation. So, what does it mean to you to be a part of that representation we've talked about for so long?

Olga Varouzian: I think it's a big responsibility, and it's an honor to be in this position—not only to promote the Glendale Police Department (GPD) but also to look out for the community that I grew up in. We both grew up in Glendale, attended local schools from elementary all the way up to high school, and we still have family and friends who live here. The community means the world to us.

We have friends who own businesses in Glendale, work here, and send their kids to local schools. The safety of the community is extremely important. It's also important to bridge the gap between the community and the GPD, to have representation, to speak the language, and to explain to the community members I interact with daily why we do what we do and what the Glendale PD represents. Motivating people, specifically in the Armenian community, to become police officers is such a rewarding and phenomenal career. I think that’s a great responsibility for both of us to embark on.

Anasheh Varoujan: To piggyback off that, it's about being proud of representing not just the police department but also a different aspect of law enforcement. Our jobs are quite different—we do help each other—but I work in the jail, where I come across a large population of the Armenian community. Being able to speak their mother tongue has a very soothing effect.

In such an uncomfortable situation, being able to stand there, speak to them in their language, explain that it's going to be okay, what the next steps are, and what happens once they're arrested—I’m very proud to be able to offer that kind of comfort.

The Armenian Report: Do you think that brings comfort, or does it put you in a difficult situation?

Olga Varouzian: I think it varies. For the most part, people just want to be heard and want to understand what's going on. You know, when you call the police, you're not having a good day. So when the police officer arrives, you want them to explain what's going on and reassure you that you’ll be taken care of. If there’s a language barrier, we can help, even if you don’t speak the language.

Yes, there are challenges. Sometimes people don't respect my authority because I’m a female. You still encounter the "macho" mentality, but you overcome that by talking and listening to them. They just want to be heard. So yes, communication helps, and it can bring their guard down.

The Armenian Report: And since you both grew up in Glendale, how have you seen the community change? Do you see more Armenians in the jail system? Are more or fewer Armenians committing crimes?

Olga Varouzian: I will say that internally, at the Glendale Police Department, we've hired a lot more Armenian officers and employees than when I started 19 years ago. I enjoy seeing that change and take pride in it.

Anasheh Varoujan: Earlier, we discussed how the community isn't just local; we get visitors from other cities and states. Some people might be having a bad day and end up in the jail where I work. So, we do see a diverse mix of individuals. It's not about who they are, but what they did and why they’re in our custody.

The Armenian Report: Your mom was emotional most of the ceremony. Does she only have two daughters?

Olga Varouzian: No, we also have an older brother who's here as well.

The Armenian Report: What does it mean for her to have two daughters in the force for all these years? (Olga with GPD for 19 years and Anasheh for 17 years.)

Olga Varouzian: It was very difficult for her, especially at the beginning. I worked nights and weekends, and every siren she heard, she thought it was me. Like any parent, she worried about her child’s safety. We put her through a lot, but it’s rewarding for her to see us advancing in our careers, serving the community we love, and working for a department we love. She takes great pride in it.

This happened to work out perfectly. I got promoted, and then my sister Anasheh got promoted after me, so we were able to have the same ceremony together.

The Armenian Report: Did you influence each other?

Olga Varouzian: I don’t think there was any direct influence. I started in 2005 and told Anasheh it was a great department. I was in my early 20s when she joined, and she took her own career path while I took mine.

The Armenian Report: Has it helped having a sibling in the force?

Olga Varouzian: Oh, for sure. We get to rely on each other.

The Armenian Report: So, you see each other at home and at work?

Olga Varouzian: No, not at all! We don’t get to see each other much because we always work opposite shifts. But it’s really rewarding, and I’m very proud of her.

The Armenian Report: Do you worry about each other?

Anasheh Varoujan: Oh, yeah! Oh, yeah!

Olga Varouzian: I do, of course. I want to make sure she’s safe. I know sometimes people are under the influence and can get out of control in the jail. She’s my sister; I care for her, I love her, and I want to make sure she’s successful and safe.