PFC Michelle Alexander receives her certificate from Capt. Bob Blakley. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
PFC Michelle L. Alexander was recently recognized for a job well done. She was honored as the September Officer of the Month by the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee.
When PFC Tara Gerhard, the station’s crime prevention officer (CPO), went on maternity leave for three months, Alexander stepped into her role. And according to Lt. Todd Kinkead, who nominated her for the award, she did so “welcomingly” and enthusiastically.
“Michelle stepped in with open eyes and a willingness to do whatever was asked and more,” he wrote. “And she has exceeded our expectations.”
Kinkead said the position of CPO “requires flexibility and adaptability to work through its many demands, and Michelle learned the job quickly so she could perform at a high level.” And although a CPO typically works business hours, evening and weekend commitments require constant adjustments.
He also noted that Alexander continued all the programs already in place and kept “a high level of service and personalization.” Some of the many duties, programs and events she took over included: Kids Fest, preschool safety talks, CAC, homeowners association meetings, senior center talks, Worship Watch, Neighborhood Beams and National Night Out.
“Michelle has been very easy to work with and had a great attitude and desire to help during her time filling in as CPO,” wrote Kinkead. “She has even taken steps to further her knowledge in this area, attending the two-day training seminar put on yearly by the Piedmont Regional Crime Prevention Association. This illustrates her commitment to bettering herself and her abilities in the area of crime prevention.”
Furthermore, he said, “I know she will continue to excel and be a great help to the Sully District Station’s strategic goal in the area of community engagement. I commend PFC Michelle Alexander for a job well done and proudly nominate her for the Citizens Advisory Committee Officer of the Month award.”
Alexander officially received the honor during the Oct. 14 CAC meeting, when the station commander, Capt. Bob Blakley, presented her with a certificate. “She went from being a patrol officer to doing something totally different, and she was great at it and will continue [in this position] through the end of the year. She dealt with the community well and this honor is very well-deserved.”