If She Robbed a Bank.......

Unfortunately, we couldn't generate much media coverage on this one.  If she robbed a bank or shot a few rounds off  we know it would have had a ton of coverage.  Fortunately, this class act helps us prevent crimes and address problem areas.  She is a  one of our most energetic and helpful community volunteers.  She recently won the 2012 Minnesota Crime Prevention Association’s (MCPA) Volunteer of the Year Award.   We are talking about Pam Kleinschmidt.  Some call her the "Mayor of Lincoln Park," but most call her Pam and she has developed a reputation as one of Lincoln Park's greatest advocates and she is making a difference.

West Area Police Commander Leigh Wright reported the following:  Pam has given countless hours to the community of Lincoln Park as a citizen patrol captain and volunteer for the Duluth Police Department.  During the winter months you can find Pam either walking or driving the streets of Duluth being the eyes and ears for the Duluth Police Department. Pam does this volunteer work without reimbursement for her gas expense which we all know is costly. Pam is well connected to the community and her community stops in at the Lincoln Park Substation to tell her stories of neighborhood issues or concerns. They know Pam will listen to them and make sure Officer Erickson receives the information and follows up.

Pam supports the community police officer who works in her community by writing Crime Free Multi-Housing (CFMH) letters, reviewing countless hours of police calls and helping him problem solve. This is no easy task, as Pam is a volunteer and not a ``police officer`` so Pam walks a fine line.  Pam's contributions have benefited the community in a number of ways. One way, was when she came up with the idea to purchase special signs indicating a ``special enforcement zone.`` These signs were posted in high crime areas and there was a collaborated effort from police, community and citizen patrol to pay special attention to crime or to have a greater presence in this area. We believe the signs have an impact on crime and let the bad guys know we are out there.

Pam does not take no for an answer. Pam comes from the private business world into a public service world where the pace to get something done can be a little slower. Through her dedication and hard work, Pam was able to improve the Lincoln Park Substation with a furnished meeting space for the community. Officers now have a meeting space which is available for use or to meet with an individual who wants to report a crime, but doesn’t want to be seen in the building as the sub station is in a high visibility area. This would not have happened without Pam.

Pam is diligent about being where she says she needs to be. If there are office hours to staff at the sub station she wants to be there for her community. Pam supports National Night out, Citizen Patrol, has attended the police reserves, and is highly involved in the business community. Pam does everything she does without compensation. Our department and community are a better place because of Pam.    Her personal involvement in being a volunteer is ``Top Notch”.   The Police Department would truly miss her work if she were to stop supporting our mission.” 

Thank you for all you do Pam!!!