On Thursday, June 13, 2013, Detective Ruth Backman received the Spirit of MAWLE Award in Community Service for 2013. MAWLE is an acronym for the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement.
Detective Backman is involved with a community coalition named “WaylandCares”, promoting healthy youth decision making and is constantly involved in community initiatives such as fundraisers and domestic violence issues.Detective Backman has been with the Wayland Police Department since 1980 serving as a patrol officer, acting sergeant and detective. Detective Backman has been involved in the investigation of not only high profile cases but handles a full case load as well. She has become so well known in the town, residents call her individually for guidance and/or assistance. It is through her work with these community members that Detective 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. Detective Backman always goes the extra mile in her dealings with victims of crime, fellow officers and community members, maintain lasting relationships with many of them.
Detective Backman was presented this award by President of MAWLE, Lt. June Murphy of the Brookline Police Department at Boston College during the 2013 annual MAWLE awards ceremony banquet.
