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PHOTO BY CAPEHART

Lori Colombino could have easily stayed the course, continuing her family’s legacy at Colombino Italian Bakery & Deli, where she worked as
a teenager and young adult. But the Brooklyn, New York native, who moved to Palm Beach County as a child, had a different calling: law enforcement.

“From the time I was young, I was drawn to police work,” recalls Colombino. So she attended the University of Florida and graduated in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and a minor in sociology — a secondary field of expertise she figured would come in handy as a police officer.

“Two days after graduating from UF, I enrolled in the Gainesville Police Academy,” notes Colombino. Determined to build her career in the county where she was raised, she graduated from the Gainesville Police Academy in November1999 and applied to just one department: the West Palm Beach Police Department.

“So, at 22, I became the first and only law enforcement officer in my family,” says the now-married mother of a 10-year-old son. She and her family love strolling around Downtown West Palm Beach where “we pick up coffee, arepas, grab a loaf of fresh bread, visit the GreenMarket, and support the local vendors, such as Salento’s, Field of Greens, and Rocco’s.”

 What brought you to Downtown West Palm Beach?

I’ve spent my entire law enforcement career with the West Palm Beach Police Department. Early on, I served as a Community Oriented Policing (COP) officer assigned to the area, working both day and night shifts. Daytime policing focused on businesses, residents, and quality-of-life concerns, while nighttime brought a more vibrant atmosphere, with nightlife, larger crowds, and different public safety challenges. The contrast between the two provided valuable insight and helped shape my approach to policing.

Earlier this month I was promoted, becoming the Major in the Division of Administrative Services. Prior to the promotion, I served as Step-Up Captain for more than a year in the Bureau of Community Services; this position included the Entertainment District, Community Engagement Unit, and E-bike Unit. Before that, I spent many years in Criminal Investigations as a detective and later as a detective sergeant, handling high-profile local, state, and federal cases. Several of these investigations earned awards and resulted in successful prosecutions.

One of things I’ve enjoyed most is being involved with Little Smiles, an organization dedicated to helping kids be kids during difficult times. I’m on the organization’s Board. The program is rewarding not only for the children but also for the officers involved.

What do you like most about Downtown West Palm Beach?

I love the sense of community and the friendships I have with colleagues, residents, and business owners. The Downtown District is more than just a place I work — it also feels like home. I also love supporting the vendors, and my son enjoys playing with the dogs, so we always carry treats for them. We regularly attend the weekly Clematis by Night events, and every April we participate in the Annual Run with the Cops 5K along the waterfront.

How do you foresee the Downtown District evolving in the future?

I believe it will continue to thrive as a hub for culture, commerce, and community connection as it balances growth with the vibrant character that makes it unique.