Wayland Detective Honored for Community Service

Wayland Police Det. Ruth Backman is this year's Spirit of MAWLE Award in Community Service for 2013 honoree.

Each year, the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement (MAWLE) recognizes women for their accomplishments in various areas. Under the Community Service heading, for which Backman won, the honoree should distinguish herself "by superior accomplishments through developing, designing, implementing and participating in programs involving communities and law enforcement, which include neighborhoods, school, community meetings, and businesses," according to the organization's criteria.

Backman has been with the Wayland Police Department since 1980, according to a police press release, and has worked as a patrol officer, acting sergeant and detective. In her job, Backman handles both high-profile cases and a full case load, the release reads.

"She has become so well known in the town, residents call her individually for guidance and/or assistance," the press release reads. "It is through her work with these community members that Det. Backman shows her compassion, knowledge and unique willingness to help those who need special attention with their cases.

"She is always kind, patient and willing to go out of her way to help with these special circumstances."

Backman works with Wayland Cares and with the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable.

The police press release praises Backman for always going "the extra mile" with victims of crimes, her fellow officers and members of the community.

Backman received her award at a banquet at Boston College on June 13. Lt. June Murphy of the Brookline Police Department presented the award.