Spark Spotlight: First Responder Lynn Aly
Forensic Technician Lynn Aly was born in California, but grew up here in Asheville. She started with the Asheville Police Department when she was 21 years old. She has spent more than half her life in that department serving her community!
Lynn started in the Medical Laboratory Technology field, and did a clinical rotation at Mission Hospital before switching gears and taking law enforcement classes. She got her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University in 2008 before there was the more focused Forensics curriculum that is offered now.
Her dad was in the military and was a police officer for many years, so Lynn always had that influence in her life. Her husband is a detective with the Henderson County Sheriff's Office and they have been together for almost fifteen years and raised three kids. They volunteer with Sheepdog Impact Assistance, a nonprofit that provides services benefitting the overall well-being of the nation's veterans and first responders. A long-time animal lover and advocate, Lynn has fostered for numerous animal rescues since 2006, and has three dogs and two cats that are spoiled relentlessly. When she’s not at work, Lynn loves to go camping!
1. How long have you been in your position?
I started at Asheville PD in 1996 as a dispatcher while I was finishing college. I have been in my current role (Forensic Technician) for a total of almost 14 years.
2. What initially caused you to become interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement?
I initially was interested in Medical Laboratory work and went to school for that, but found a forty-hour week of sitting in a lab to not be exactly what I wanted. My dad was in law enforcement for many years and while I was deciding my path, I took a couple of law enforcement classes and found I really enjoyed them, so I continued on! My original intention was to become a police officer, but I soon developed an interest in Forensic Science and decided to take that path.
3. What is important to you in your job?
My position works in conjunction with the detectives in the Criminal Investigations Division to investigate crimes. Being able to find resolution for victims and their families, and holding those accountable for crimes they commit are our primary goals. It is important that I do everything I can do to effectively document and collect evidence to assist in these investigations.
4. What is your favorite thing about your job?
No day is ever the same. No week is ever the same. We do work in the field, we also do lab processing and administrative duties. We have the chance to work individually but also as a team. The variety the job offers keeps things interesting. There are still days I see things I've never seen before and that keeps it exciting.
5. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Watching all the work that is being put into a case or cases resulting in offenders being held accountable for their actions. We sometimes work extremely long shifts, odd hours, challenging weather conditions, etc and all the work poured into a case is worth it when a victim and/or their families get justice. I also love seeing new people coming into the field, excited and eager to learn, and helping to train them.
6. What do you want Spark readers to know about you?
I got into this field for reasons very close to my heart. It is a demanding field, working odd, sometimes long hours, holidays, weekends, nights, on-call rotations, and being away from family and friends more than I'd like sometimes. I've seen things most people will never be exposed to. It can be physically, emotionally and mentally exhausting and challenging. But if I could go back in time, I would choose this path again, because I am proud of the work I and my coworkers do, and the people that we help. and I am proud of our department.
7. What do you recommend to other young women who would like to get into law enforcement?
Law enforcement has historically been a male-dominated field, but I am so happy to see that there are more and more women getting into various roles now. Educate yourself, but also learn to exercise common sense and humility. Be strong and learn to protect yourself, but also be willing to ask for help when you need it and not feel weak if you do. Take care of yourself first and foremost so you can effectively help others.