210. Fired LAPD Sergeant Fighting to Save Her Career | Internal Affairs Investigation

Sarah Patterson

In Episode 210 of the Transition Drill Podcast, Sarah Patterson’s story begins with a truth that many in law enforcement and the first responder community know all too well: the badge can be taken from you, but the fight to reclaim your purpose cannot. Sarah’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and determination as she faces one of the most challenging battles of her life. Once a CrossFit competitor and gym owner, to respected LAPD Sergeant, and a mother of four, Sarah now finds herself in the middle of a relentless struggle to clear her name and win back the career she built through sweat, sacrifice, and relentless drive.

From the start of the conversation, Sarah’s humanity is evident. She does not lead with titles or accolades. She talks about what truly matters: faith, family, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. She explains that her greatest desire is to raise her children to be strong in their faith and character, to set an example of perseverance and belief even when life tests you beyond reason. For Sarah, this battle is not just about her career. It is about proving to her four boys that when life knocks you down, you get back up and fight for what you believe in.

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Before the uniform, the badge, and the battles, Sarah Patterson’s story begins in La Verne, California, Life in La Verne shaped her competitive spirit and instilled a sense of responsibility that would become a defining part of who she is today. Sarah describes herself as a tomboy growing up, never the “girly girl.” she imagined some might expect her to be. She gravitated toward sports and quickly found her passion in soccer, which became her first love on the field. She played through high school, drawn to the challenge of competition and the camaraderie of being part of a team.

Soccer taught Sarah more than just athletic skills. It introduced her to the discipline required to succeed and revealed her natural drive to push herself beyond what she thought was possible. She recalls having strong legs and speed but admits that her small frame made her easy to get pushed around by bigger athletes. That realization became fuel. She later discovered CrossFit and Olympic lifting, but even in high school, the seeds of her resilience were being planted.

Her home life also played a critical role in shaping her values. Sarah’s parents worked hard and modeled perseverance and independence. Her father was a computer programmer, and her mother worked as a court reporter. Neither came from a law enforcement background, yet they encouraged Sarah to pursue her interests and supported her drive to carve her own path.

These early years laid the foundation for Sarah’s relentless determination and willingness to embrace discomfort. While she did not yet know where her life was headed, her competitive nature, strong family bonds, and deeply rooted faith became guiding forces. This foundation would prepare her for unexpected turns ahead, from her academic pursuits to the discovery of passions she never saw coming.

After high school, Sarah Patterson’s journey took an unexpected turn. Her curiosity and love for problem-solving led her to pursue a degree in chemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She originally planned to follow a path into forensic science, fascinated by the idea of uncovering evidence, analyzing crime scenes, and helping solve complex cases.

While completing her undergraduate studies, Sarah interned at the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, a role that provided a firsthand look into the technical side of criminal investigations. Her work primarily involved organizing rape kit evidence and reviewing decades-old cases through microfiche, helping connect physical evidence to reports. Though she was captivated by the science behind solving crimes, she soon realized the reality of the job was very different from what she envisioned.

Most of the work was spent behind a desk or in a lab. For Sarah, who thrived on action, connection, and movement, the prospect of spending decades in a controlled environment felt limiting. While she respected the professionals who dedicated their lives to forensic work, she began questioning whether this was truly the right path for her.

During this period of uncertainty, Sarah discovered a new passion that would change the trajectory of her life: CrossFit. In 2007, when the sport was still in its early stages. It was there that someone challenged her to try the infamous workout “Fran” — a punishing sequence of barbell thrusters and pull-ups. That first workout nearly broke her. Out of breath and struggling to finish, Sarah realized just how far she could push herself. Instead of walking away, she was hooked. CrossFit became more than fitness; it was a proving ground for her mindset, resilience, and drive to improve.

Her passion quickly evolved into a business. Sarah earned multiple CrossFit certifications, began coaching, and eventually opened CrossFit La Verne near Brackett Airport. At first, she trained friends and family, then grew her client base. Some of her first non-family clients were LAPD officers from the Metropolitan Division / K9 Unit. These officers encouraged Sarah to consider a career she had never seriously thought about before: becoming a police officer herself.

Initially, Sarah dismissed the idea. Standing just over five feet tall, she did not see herself as the typical image of a cop. But those conversations planted a seed. Over time, she became curious enough to accept an invitation to ride along with officers in South Los Angeles, a decision that would open the door to a completely new chapter in her life.

What struck her most was the mutual respect she witnessed between the officers and the people they encountered. Despite the environment and the tension, many of the community members knew the officers by name and spoke to them with familiarity. It was not about intimidation or control. It was about presence, trust, and understanding. Sarah saw officers who could de-escalate situations with conversation, build relationships even in high-crime neighborhoods, and make a real difference where it mattered most.

After a second ride-along, Sarah was hooked. The energy, the unpredictability, and the sense of purpose spoke to something deep inside her. For the first time, she began to consider a path she had never imagined for herself: joining the LAPD. Sarah applied and was accepted into the LAPD Police Academy in 2011. Entering the academy, she carried the confidence she had built through years of CrossFit, but she also understood the weight of the responsibility ahead. While she was physically prepared, she knew she had to prove herself mentally and professionally. As a small female officer, she refused to rely on lowered standards or special accommodations. In her mind, if she was going to wear the same badge as her peers, she had to earn it the same way they did.

Her commitment showed quickly. Sarah performed exceptionally well in the Physical Fitness Qualifier and became one of the top athletes in her class. Instructors recognized her drive and promoted her to squad leader, a position that required her to set the example for her peers, maintain discipline, and lead from the front.

The leadership role came with pressure, but Sarah embraced it. She focused on respect rather than authority, believing that true leadership meant serving alongside others, not standing above them. Her philosophy was simple: if she expected others to work hard, she had to work harder. That mindset earned her credibility early, both among her peers and with the instructors who pushed her to her limits.

After graduating from the academy, Sarah Patterson began her career at LAPD’s 77th Division, one of the most demanding and challenging assignments in the department. The division covers an area of South Los Angeles known for its high call volume, violent crime, and constant activity. It was a proving ground for any young officer, and Sarah knew she had to demonstrate not only competence but also credibility among her peers and the community.

Sarah approached the job with the same mindset that had carried her through CrossFit, college, and the academy: earn everything. She believed that wearing the badge meant more than simply doing the minimum. To her, the job required constant preparation, physical and mental toughness, and the ability to handle situations where lives could be on the line. As a smaller female officer in a male-dominated profession, she knew she would be tested, and she welcomed it. Her fitness, discipline, and determination quickly gained the respect of her partners and supervisors.

Her passion for fitness eventually became part of her contribution to the department itself. Recognizing the importance of being physically prepared for the demands of policing, Sarah drafted a proposal to build a CrossFit-style training gym at the 77th Division station. With the help of a lieutenant and a fellow officer, she secured approvals, gathered donations, and turned the idea into reality.

The outdoor gym they built was unlike anything else in the department at the time. It featured pull-up rigs, squat racks, climbing ropes, and functional training equipment, giving officers a space where they could prepare their bodies for the rigors of the field. Sarah encouraged her partners to train with her, often leading workouts before or after shifts. Whether it was hot, cold, or raining, Sarah believed in training for the environment officers would face in the streets. “If it’s pouring rain and you get into a fight in the field,” she often said, “you don’t get to quit. You have to be ready for that moment.”

Her initiative gained attention within the department, attracting not only officers from 77th Division but also SWAT, K9 units, and Metropolitan Division officers who began using the facility. Sarah’s efforts helped foster a culture of preparedness, showing that physical fitness was not just about personal pride but also about officer safety, team effectiveness, and community trust.

As Sarah’s reputation grew, so did her opportunities. In less than ten years on the job, she was promoted to Sergeant, a milestone achievement in a department where climbing the ranks can take decades. Her leadership philosophy was simple but powerful: lead by example, hold high standards, and never ask someone to do what you would not do yourself. She believed authority came from action, not title, and worked hard to create an environment where her team felt respected, supported, and accountable.

At the same time, Sarah pushed back against the lowered standards that were sometimes applied to female officers. She argued openly that women in law enforcement should meet the same physical and tactical benchmarks as their male counterparts, not because equality demanded it, but because safety required it. Her position earned her admiration from many and friction with others, but Sarah remained firm in her belief that the job demanded the highest level of preparation from everyone wearing the uniform.

Through her work, Sarah demonstrated that leadership is not defined by rank or years of service but by the example you set and the trust you build. She earned the respect of her peers, helped change the fitness culture within the department, and showed that resilience, accountability, and innovation could break through long-standing traditions.

However, as Sarah’s career rose, new challenges began to emerge. Her leadership, visibility, and willingness to speak out would eventually collide with departmental politics and scrutiny, setting the stage for one of the most difficult chapters of her life. Her career took an unexpected and devastating turn when, as a Sergeant assigned to Hollywood Division, she became the subject of an Internal Affairs investigation.

The investigation was a shock. For someone who prided herself on integrity and professionalism, suddenly being placed under scrutiny by the very department she served was a crushing blow. Sarah describes the experience as disorienting and painful, not only because of the accusations but because of what it represented: a system she believed in was now questioning her character and her ability to lead.

The investigation dragged on, consuming her focus and creating a cloud of uncertainty over her future. Colleagues became distant, whispers circulated, and the weight of her situation began to affect her both personally and professionally. For Sarah, who had always defined herself by hard work and preparation, the inability to control the narrative or influence the process was one of the hardest challenges she had ever faced.

Eventually, the investigation concluded, and the outcome was far worse than she had imagined: Sarah was terminated from the Los Angeles Police Department. After years of service, leadership, and sacrifice, the identity she had built as a decorated officer was stripped away in a single decision.

The termination was more than a career setback. It struck at the heart of her sense of purpose and stability. For someone who had spent her adult life building a foundation of service, fitness, and personal growth, the sudden loss of her badge left her questioning everything she thought she knew about loyalty, fairness, and the institution she had dedicated herself to.

Sarah is candid about the emotional toll this period took on her. She had to confront feelings of betrayal, frustration, and grief while still showing up every day as a mother of four boys, a wife, and a leader within her personal life. Walking away was never an option. Instead, she made the decision to fight back.

Her battle to clear her name and reclaim her position has been long, difficult, and deeply personal. It is a fight not just for her career but for her reputation, her dignity, and the example she sets for her children. Through attorneys, hearings, and countless procedural steps, Sarah has refused to give up, believing firmly that the truth must come to light.

This chapter of Sarah’s story reveals one of her greatest strengths: resilience under pressure. While many would allow a moment like this to define their future, Sarah has used it as fuel to redefine hers. The loss of her badge did not break her spirit; instead, it reinforced her commitment to integrity, faith, and perseverance.

But the battle has also reshaped her perspective. It forced her to question the systems and structures within law enforcement that can both support and fail the very people who dedicate their lives to serve. It opened her eyes to the vulnerabilities officers face when institutional protection gives way to political and internal pressures.

Even now, as she continues to fight for her reinstatement, Sarah is open about the lessons she has learned along the way — lessons about trusting the process while taking ownership of your response, leaning on your support system, and refusing to allow circumstances to define who you are.

What she once viewed as the darkest chapter of her career has become the defining test of her strength. Through faith, family, and sheer determination, Sarah continues to face the storm head-on.

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In the aftermath of her termination, Sarah Patterson faced a crossroads. She could allow the weight of disappointment, anger, and uncertainty to break her, or she could find a way to rebuild herself from the inside out. For Sarah, the choice came down to faith, family, and perseverance. These became the cornerstones of her fight to reclaim her identity and purpose.

From the earliest moments of the struggle, Sarah leaned heavily on her faith in God. She speaks openly about her belief that challenges are not random but part of a larger plan, even when that plan is difficult to see. Her relationship with God provided an anchor when her world felt unstable and her career uncertain. There were days when the fight ahead seemed overwhelming, but prayer and trust became her daily reset, grounding her in the belief that setbacks are not the end of the story.

At the same time, Sarah found motivation in her four sons. Motherhood has always been central to her identity, but during this season, her role as a parent became even more significant. She wanted her boys to see firsthand what resilience looks like, to understand that strength is not measured by never falling but by refusing to stay down. Her fight to clear her name became bigger than her career — it became a lesson she wanted to leave with her children about integrity, perseverance, and standing tall when life feels unfair.

Sarah also relied on her husband and close family members, who became a source of grounding during the uncertainty. Conversations at home shifted from frustration over what happened to focus on solutions, gratitude, and hope for the future. By surrounding herself with people who believed in her, she created a support system that reminded her daily she was more than her title and more than the decision that had taken her badge away.

Through it all, Sarah refuses to see herself as a victim. While the department’s decision altered her career, it did not alter her character. Instead of allowing bitterness to take hold, she chose growth. This mindset has kept her moving forward even on the most difficult days, proving to herself and those watching, especially her children, that adversity can become a catalyst for transformation.

Her fight is far from over, but Sarah’s resilience has already begun to redefine her journey. By leaning into faith and drawing strength from her family, she has built the foundation to face whatever lies ahead with courage and conviction. Her battle with the Los Angeles Police Department is still unfolding, but she approaches this chapter with a deeper resilience and a stronger understanding of who she is beyond the badge. A recent court ruling is allowing her to have a second Board of Rights hearing.

While her case continues to work through the legal and procedural system, Sarah has refused to remain idle. She has poured her energy into personal growth, strengthening her faith, and redefining how she serves others. Her experiences have given her a unique perspective on leadership, wellness, and perseverance, and she has begun using her story to encourage those who find themselves in similar struggles.

In many ways, Sarah has also become a voice for those navigating the uncertainty of transitions, whether forced or voluntary. She understands what it feels like to lose a role that once defined you, to question your identity, and to wonder what comes next. By sharing her journey openly, she is helping others understand that they are not alone and that rebuilding after a setback is possible when you focus on what you can control rather than what you cannot.

Looking ahead, Sarah remains steadfast in her fight to clear her name and regain her position. But she has also begun to envision broader possibilities for the future. Whether her path leads back into law enforcement or toward a new chapter, she is determined to use her experiences to support others, officers, first responders, and anyone facing their own battles with adversity.

Her story is no longer just about a career or a badge. It is about resilience, faith, and personal accountability. It is about rediscovering purpose in the face of challenges and inspiring others to do the same. Whatever the outcome of her case, Sarah’s perspective on life has shifted in profound ways. She now measures success not by titles or promotions but by the impact she leaves on her children, her community, and the people who look to her for strength.

As Sarah Patterson reflects on her journey, from growing up in La Verne to becoming an LAPD sergeant, to facing termination and fighting for her career, she has gained a perspective that resonates deeply with veterans, first responders, and anyone preparing for life’s unpredictable transitions. Her advice is rooted in resilience, preparation, and a belief that strength comes from how you respond when circumstances change, not from avoiding challenges altogether.

For veterans and first responders, Sarah emphasizes the importance of identity beyond the uniform. She understands how easy it is to define yourself by your role, rank, or position. But when that title is taken away, either through retirement, injury, or unexpected circumstances, it can leave a deep void. Sarah encourages others to start developing a personal foundation early, one built on faith, family, personal growth, and community. “The badge or the title can be gone tomorrow,” she says, “but who you are, your values, and your character, remain yours forever.”

Another key lesson Sarah shares is the need to prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for the unexpected. Transition, whether planned or sudden, is easier to navigate when you invest in yourself before the moment arrives. She urges those still serving to prioritize fitness, not only for job performance but also for mental clarity and confidence. For her, functional training like CrossFit was more than exercise; it was a way to simulate stress, push past discomfort, and build a mindset ready for high-pressure situations. That same discipline, she says, is invaluable when life throws you into unfamiliar territory.

Sarah also encourages developing a support system long before you need one. For her, leaning on her family, her faith community, and trusted friends gave her strength during the most difficult seasons. She advises others to nurture relationships with people who will challenge you, encourage you, and stand by you when the weight of transition feels overwhelming.

Finally, she stresses the importance of faith and perspective. Sarah’s journey has reinforced her belief that life’s challenges often serve a greater purpose, even when the path forward is unclear. By focusing on gratitude, leaning into her relationship with God, and taking one step at a time, she has found the resilience to keep moving forward while helping others do the same.

For anyone facing career shifts or personal reinvention, Sarah’s message is simple but powerful: prepare early, focus on what you can control, and never let adversity define you. Transitions are inevitable, but how you navigate them shapes not only your future but also the example you set for those watching, your children, your peers, and your community.

Sarah’s story reminds us that strength is not the absence of struggle. It is built in the moments when you choose to keep going, even when the outcome is uncertain. For veterans, first responders, and anyone preparing for what comes next, her advice carries the weight of experience and the hope that even in loss, there is opportunity to rebuild, refocus, and rise stronger than before.

Sarah Patterson’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and an unwavering refusal to quit in the face of adversity. Losing her badge and her position could have ended her story, but Sarah chose a different path. Instead of surrendering to bitterness or defeat, she leaned on her faith, her family, and her own inner resolve to fight for her name and her future. In doing so, she has shown what resilience truly looks like, not the absence of struggle, but the courage to face it head-on.

Sarah’s journey also serves as a reminder that we are more than our titles, careers, or ranks. Her fight for reinstatement continues, but along the way, she has discovered a deeper purpose: helping others prepare for transition, encouraging officers and first responders to invest in their wellness, and showing through example that identity must be built on values, not just roles.

Her story speaks to anyone navigating change, whether expected or unexpected. Setbacks can be devastating, but they also provide opportunities to redefine who we are and where we are going. Sarah’s persistence, her openness about her struggles, and her ability to stand firm in her beliefs offer hope to those who feel the weight of uncertainty pressing in.

Through faith, strength, and determination, Sarah Patterson is proving that redemption is possible, growth is inevitable, and no challenge is insurmountable when you refuse to give up. Her journey continues, but the lessons are already clear: adversity can break you or it can build you. The choice, as Sarah has shown, is always yours.

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