Trisha “Trish” Mendicino

July 2026 Issue—Red, White & Brave

Photography (top) by Cassidy Dunn Photography


Trisha “Trish” Mendicino

Current Residence: Bluffton
Hometown: North Tonawanda, NY

Career & Rank: Law Enforcement/ Lieutenant over Investigations Division

Family: Husband and fur babies

Favorite Hobby: Attending Music Concerts/Festivals.

Biggest Passion: My job and anything with animals.

What inspired you to pursue such a challenging career?
I was inspired by watching law enforcement officers on television, as well as around my town and on the news. I was intrigued by what they did and their influences. Plus, I like to be challenged.

Why did you choose this branch of service?
I pursued this career path because I could have an impact on the community I serve and be part of the solution to problems rather than sit idly by. I won’t sit and complain about a problem; I will try to take it by the horns and fix what I can.

What do you love about it?
I love that there is so much diversity in my day-to-day activities and no redundancy. There are no mundane days. I enjoy that I get to truly help victims get the closure they deserve and I hold people accountable to keep our community safe. People deserve to live safely and not be scared to go out and enjoy life.

What is the No. 1 thing you would teach women about safety?
Pay attention to behavior and body language. Don’t let yourself get isolated and don’t ignore your boundaries. Trust your instinct; if something feels off, do not worry about “offending” someone or hurting their feelings. Women inherently are caring creatures and will forego their intuition in lieu of protecting others’ feelings. This can lead to catastrophic events.

What is your background?
After high school, I was a bartender, to which I attribute my ability for understanding people and how to talk to them. Then, I moved to South Carolina for a job opportunity with Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (two years). After that, I worked for Bluffton Police Department for eight years, and now I have been with the City of Beaufort for ten years. During my career, I have worked in many departments, including beach patrol, road patrol, school resource officer, road supervisor, investigations, and teaching the explorers program. I have earned certifications as Driving Instructor, Radar Instructor, Defense Tactics, and Ground Defense Instructor.

What in your background gave you the courage to fearlessly pursue your passion?
I don’t feel like it has to do with my background as much as I felt called to serve in some sense. However, most everyone in my family has served in a military branch or law enforcement.

You work in a demanding field, what do you do to relieve stress and cope with some of the day-to-day challenges?
I like to work out, do yard work, and play video games. I am a huge gamer.

What is your most proud accomplishment so far?
There are two moments in my life I am beyond proud of: 1. Being the person in my family not only to earn a college degree, but also a master’s degree; and 2. When I picked up the rank of Lieutenant.

Of all the things you have learned in training, what has been the most useful?
A few years into my career, a seasoned sergeant told me there are more tools in my toolbox than just the hammer. This analogy has stuck with me since that night regarding the big picture of this job.

What person, living or passed, would you love to spend a day with?
My mom! You never know when time is up, and you cant get those moments back. I would like to just sit with her, enjoy some of her amazing homemade favorite items she used to make for me. We would just talk about all of her life experiences and memories, and I’d share all that has happened with me since she left this world. I would just want to know she is proud of me.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t done yet?
I want to travel overseas, visit different countries, gain new experiences and appreciation for the cultures and art and buildings of the world.

What do you do for fun?
I like to attend concerts and music events, comedy shows, and hockey games.

If you could tell the world anything, what would it be?
Just be good to each other and do what’s right, regardless of how hard it may seem.