WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., March 30, 2016 — West Liberty University Highlands Campus Manager Sara Sweeney was awarded the Civilian Medal of Appreciation from the American Police Hall of Fame (APHF) in a ceremony conducted in historic Shaw Hall today.
“Sweeney has been issued this award because of her dedication to duty. Her commitment to support the law enforcement profession sets an admirable standard for all citizens to follow,” stated Chief Jack L. Rinchich, president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and representative of the APHF. He made the statement in the official letter announcing the award.
“Sara is an advocate of the region’s safety forces and assists in coordinating many training programs and special activities throughout the year to allow local law enforcement an opportunity to receive the necessary training credits for their careers. I congratulate her on her work,” said Dr. Stephen Greiner, university president.
Sweeney was singled out due to her ongoing efforts at providing free training opportunities for county, city and state safety forces in the tri-state region at the Highlands Center campus. Most recently, she provided two-weeks of classroom support for the training of 911 dispatchers and was instrumental at making the arrangement to ensure that it was at no cost to the safety forces.
“Your dedication to serving the public should be recognized. Your commitment to support the law enforcement profession and their efforts to protect fellow citizens sets an admirable standard for all citizens to follow,” continued Rinchich.
A resident of Washington, Pa., Sweeney graduated from WLU with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Prior to working as Highlands Campus Manager, she was an area coordinator for WLU Housing and Residence Life office and worked with WLU Campus Police in that capacity.
The American Police Hall of Fame was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Titusville, Fla. Its National Awards program began in 1972 in an effort to recognize the acts of valor of law enforcement officers throughout the United States. The program currently has 14 kinds of recognition awards.
WLU’s Highlands Center is home to the School of Professional Studies and is dedicated to serving adult undergraduate and graduate students. It offers several degrees for working adults, including the Master of Professional Studies degree, which includes a Justice Leadership track that serves professionals in the field of criminal justice, courts and law enforcement.
Sweeney works with these students too, assisting them in advancing their careers.
The Highlands Center opened in 2009 and is located along Cabela Drive in the Highlands shopping complex, near the Marquee Cinema. Please call 304-217-2800 for more information.