Cambridge Police Sergeant Honored for Her Work with Elderly Population

Sergeant Kathleen Murphy of the Cambridge Police Community Services Unit was awarded the 2013 Jeannie Warren Paine Award by Paine Senior Services at a ceremony at First Parish Cambridge Unitarian Universalist Church on May 13.

Police Commissioner Robert C. Haas shared his thoughts on Sgt. Murphy’s work, saying, “The work that Kathy does is remarkable.  She is passionate and has set a tone within her unit that truly embraces our goal of intervening early and working with our partners and service provides to get people the help they need.”

Joined by staff, supporters, and members of the executive board of directors, Elizabeth Aguilo, Executive Director of Paine Senior Services, stated, “Paine Senior Services established this award in 2005 on the organization’s 100^th anniversary.  Kathy is only the fifth recipient of the Jeannie Warren Paine Award, given in recognition of her commitment, compassion, and working well with others.”

“This is definitely teamwork,” Sgt. Murphy said upon accepting her award.  “Thank you very much.  We don’t do this work to be honored; we do it to make peoples’ lives better.”

Special recognition was also given to Cambridge Mayor Henrietta Davis for her Silver Ribbon Commission to address affordable housing for seniors and Denise Jillson, Executive Director of the Harvard Square Business Association, for the Helping the Homeless project.

Paine Senior Services was established in 1905 and serves elderly Cambridge residents who prefer to remain independent in their community and need information about resources, services, benefits, and available options.  More information is available at www.PainSeniorServices.org.