Brewer police honor secretary
Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - Bangor Daily News

BREWER - When the police officers' votes were tallied for Officer of the Year 2005, the selection for Brewer Police Department turned out not to be an officer at all.

"The person who got the most votes ... was [administrative assistant] Ginny McDonald," Police Chief Perry Antone said Monday. "It was based upon her work ethic and her willingness to help out. She is very knowledgeable about the department and what goes on behind the scenes.

"We had to create the title, because she's not a police officer," he said.

Virginia "Ginny" McDonald was named the Honorary Officer of the Year 2005 during a department meeting in May and is celebrating 13 years with the department, Antone said.

"Everyone has in their agency someone in their background that goes quietly about their job, who doesn't want the limelight or recognition for what they do," the chief said. "They come in and work and get things done - that's what describes her."

McDonald actually worked for the city clerk's office before transferring to the police department and will celebrate her 19th year as a city employee in August.

With her experience, McDonald has been instrumental in making the recent transitions within the Police Department a smoother process, said Antone, who was promoted to chief at the end of April.

With his promotion and the retirement of Capt. Danny Green, several others within the department also were promoted, and there have been some new police officers hired.

"As a new chief in this agency, she is someone I have come to rely upon," Antone said. "She is an intricate and very important part of our team."

A plaque and letter were presented to McDonald in May and her photo will be posted on the Officer of the Year board, just inside the department's front door.

Nok-Noi Hauger