The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

OFFICER OF THE MONTH - MARCH 1999

CHIEF OF POLICE JEFFREY LIEBERMAN
FOUNTAIN CITY, WISCONSIN

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced the selection of Chief of Police Jeffrey Lieberman, of Fountain City, Wisconsin, as its Officer of the Month for March 1999.

Nearly 10 years ago, then Officer Jeffrey Lieberman of the Augusta, Wisconsin, Police Department experienced a cop's worst nightmare. Before entering a residence in response to a domestic call, his friend and colleague, Police Chief Pat McCready, turned and said, "Jeff do you have your vest on?" Going into the residence, Chief McCready was hit by two thirty-ought-six bullets fired from a hunting rifle. One of the bullets ripped through his vest and the other struck him just below the vest. "He never asked me before if I had my vest on," says Chief Lieberman. "His death made me appreciate more the possible violence that can occur on a whim's notice, whether you're in Washington, D.C. or Fountain City, Wisconsin."

Jeff Lieberman knew he wanted to be a policeman when he was five years old and in kindergarten. All through high school, when his classmates were making career decisions, he never wavered from his goal, and in 1984 Jeff Lieberman joined the United States Air Force and started his career as a military police officer. Following his discharge in 1989 he joined the Augusta, Wisconsin, Police Department and began his career as a civilian officer. After a short stint at the University of Wisconsin's Police Department from 1990 to 1991, he became Chief of Police in Fountain City in 1992.

A small community on the shores of the Mississippi River, Fountain City had an escalated crime rate caused, in part, by criminals coming in from out of town and across the border. When Chief Lieberman took office as the only full time police officer in this small community, he dedicated his energies to reducing crime. He is known for his tenacity and his cooperation with other police jurisdictions.

"Jeff believes in serving the entire community through pro-active rather than reactive programs," observed Theresa McCamley, Chairperson of the Fountain City Police Committee. "He works with all ages, including baby-sitting clinics, neighborhood watch organizations, CPR, first aid re-certifications for firefighters and bicycle safety, to name a few. He's truly an asset to the community."

Chief Lieberman's drive to reduce crime has garnered him hundreds of letters and commendations from the citizens he serves. But his dedication to educating children and reducing juvenile crime (by 99.9% in Fountain City) are two of his crowning achievements. In 1995, the Wisconsin Attorney General's Office recognized Chief Lieberman's Police Awareness and Learning Safety (PALS) program as one of the "most innovative youth crime prevention programs" in the State of Wisconsin. PALS has two fundamental goals; the first allows young children the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of a police officer as person and the need for having law enforcement officers serving society; and the second goal is to provide the children with knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding their personal safety in all aspects of their lives, with emphasis on decision-making and the resulting consequences both pro and con.

With a phenomenal 99% conviction rate, Chief Lieberman never lets up on the criminals. Recognizing the need for education, Chief Lieberman has armed himself with a BA degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's in Business. In his never ending crusade to serve and educate the public, the Chief serves as an adjunct professor for Mount Senario College, donates time to teach first aid and CPR, assists as a lifeguard for the swimming pool, and teaches fifth and sixth graders safety/first aid issues for baby-sitting.

Fountain City Mayor Carl Brommrich summed it up best when he said, "We are fortunate to have Jeff. The PALS program is remarkable, and Jeff's dedication to Fountain City is unsurpassed. He's an outstanding officer and a caring and compassionate citizen."