Celeste Almendarez is a proud public safety officer with Aiken Public Safety. She serves as both a police officer and firefighter, roles that demand strength, skill and heart. For the past three years, she’s been breaking barriers and making a difference in a field traditionally dominated by men. She does it with quiet confidence, humility and a deep gratitude for the community she now calls home.
Originally from California, Almendarez and her wife made the life-changing decision to relocate to the South in search of something more grounded with a small-town atmosphere, a slower pace and a place where people genuinely look out for one another. Her wife had family nearby, and after much research and contemplation, they felt an instant connection. Their decision was solidified when, almost serendipitously, they both received job offers in Aiken simultaneously. “It just felt right,” Almendarez says. “Like it was meant to be.”
That feeling only deepened after settling in. Almendarez speaks highly of the people of Aiken, calling them some of the most respectful and kind individuals she’s ever met. “Everyone here is so polite and genuine,” she says. “It’s an honor to serve this community. I feel supported and appreciated daily, which makes all the difference.”
Outside of her demanding job, Almendarez is full of energy and joy. Whether she’s fishing, riding dirt bikes, playing basketball or pickleball, swimming or walking her four beloved dogs, she embraces the outdoors and values balance in life. These moments of calm and fun give her the recharge she needs to meet the responsibilities of her role with strength and focus.
Her journey to becoming a public safety officer wasn’t without nerves. “I was nervous at first,” she recalls. “But I worked hard to get in the best physical shape I could and gave it everything I had.” That determination paid off, and she quickly credited the Aiken Department of Public Safety for its warm welcome and ongoing support. “They believed in me and gave me a space to grow and thrive,” she says.
Almendarez strongly encourages more women to feel empowered to join the ranks of law enforcement and public safety. “If you’re thinking about it, go for it,” she urges. “You can do it. I was hesitant initially, too, but it’s worth every bit of effort.”
Each day, Almendarez wakes up determined and heads to work with one clear goal in mind: to make sure every officer and every citizen gets home safely. “That’s what a good day looks like to me,” she says. In a field where every moment matters, Almendarez stands tall and proud in her chosen city and home, not just as an officer or firefighter but as a beacon of courage, dedication and community spirit.