Marysville Police corporal honored nationally
Corporal Aly Babcock of the Marysville Police Department has been named one of the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s 2025 40 Under 40 honorees, joining a group of rising leaders recognized for their innovation, dedication and service to their communities. Babcock, who previously served in Seattle, Wenatchee and the Washington National Guard, said the recognition came as a surprise.
“I feel very honored, I was pretty shocked about it,” she said. “I love what I do and enjoy what I do. To be pointed out for something special…I appreciate it. But this is what we should be expected to do.”
Her career includes a long list of accomplishments: more than 340 DUI arrests, 55 Drug influence evaluations as a certified drug recognition expert, and three years as a field training officer. She serves as a standardized field sobriety instructor, helping train fellow officers and build their skills and confidence in the field. Her dedication has earned her multiple awards, including Officer of the Year honors in Marysville and Wenatchee, a Medal of Valor, and two Chief’s Awards from Seattle Police Department Chief Carmen Best. One for her work on a complex child sexual assault investigation. Babcock responded to the initial call, ensured the victim’s safety and collected critical evidence within a 16-hour shift that led to the suspect’s arrest. She says the experience profoundly shaped her commitment to advocating for victims. “I feel really fulfilled in what I do, I love helping people. We don’t always get to help people. There is an ugly side to it, but someone’s got to do it…we take people to jail and sometimes people have really bad days because of us and the authority we have and the responsibility to keep our city safe.”
While serving in the Army National Guard and becoming one of the first female combat engineers in the U.S. Army, Babcock transitioned into policing with a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to mentorship. She finds fulfillment in helping new officers grow into confident public servants and believes in leading by example with optimism, thoroughness and accountability. “I take pride in what I do, I enjoy the comradery I get from it, the teamwork. “
Chief Erik Scairpon said he recognized Corporal Babcock’s potential from the moment they met during her interview. “She did not disappoint and quickly earned the trust and respect of her peers,” Scairpon said. “Promoting her to a leadership position was an easy decision. To have her selected from law enforcement candidates around the world is truly an honor.”
Babcock credits Marysville’s supportive leadership, from the City Council to the Mayor for creating an environment where officers can thrive. “I’m in a department that has a city council who absolutely supports us. If we have a problem in our city, they are the first to address it. Creating a municipal code that helps us take enforcement action is huge…but also, that is a reflection of how we do our job. You’re not just handed that respect or trust you have to earn it. Before I came here that was established. It’s just an awesome department to be at.”
Babcock remains focused on the work ahead. “It's really important to me that people do things the right way. It’s important to me that I do things the right way. I try the best that I can, to influence people to have the same mindset to be thorough in their investigations.”
Her advice to those considering a career in law enforcement is simple: vet the department, talk to the people who work there, and attend a city council meeting to understand how the city is run. “It’s the best job in the world,” she said.