Melvindale Police Department Receives New Locker Room for Female Officers

Female police officers in Melvindale are cheering the opening of their new locker room at Melvindale Police Department's Headquarters. Melvindale's police station was built long before the department hired its first female officer in 1989 and the aging facility lacked a dedicated space for female officers. The department now has three women on the force and the converted restroom they were using was cramped and lacked seating and appropriate lighting. The Detroit Public Safety Foundation spearheaded the much-needed renovation with financial support from Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) and the new locker room opened for use late in February.

It was time for a change according to Police Chief Dan Jones. "The female locker room needed a complete overhaul. We are grateful to the Detroit Public Safety Foundation and Marathon's Detroit Refinery for providing our officers with a new locker room that is beyond our expectations and provides our female officers with the space and amenities they deserve," he said. "I would like to personally thank everyone involved with this project. Your generosity and hard work are greatly appreciated."

"We were thrilled to serve as a fiduciary and partner in this important project for the Melvindale Police," said Patti Kukula, Executive Directorof the Detroit Public Safety Foundation, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Detroit's first responders through advancing training, technology, equipment, community engagement, and wellness. "Marathon Petroleum has been a longtime partner of ours and a strong supporter of public safety. Although most of our work centers around Detroit, our board encourages regional partnerships and this project serves as an excellent example of regional cooperation." Kukula added that much of the infrastructure and amenities used to renovate the locker room was donated by Planet Fitness. The police department consulted directly with the officers on what they needed and the result is a new locker room that offers enhanced security and privacy, large lockers and bench seating, a larger restroom area, lockable weapons storage, and other necessities, ensuring that all Melvindale officers enjoy equitable locker room facilities.

The MPC Detroit refinery's tank operation extends into Melvindale, and Whitney Walton, Marathon's Security Coordinator, works with the department on security and training exercises. A former police commander and officer herself, Walton was delighted to expand the partnership. "The locker room is where an officer starts and ends the day," Walton said. "It's a privilege to help provide these hard-working women with a facility that supports them and the exceptional work they do."

"Melvindale is a great place to be a police officer and I think any potential new officer touring the station will look at that locker room and be impressed not only with the physical appearance and conveniences, but also with the fact that we are heard and valued here," said Officer Jessica Winward, a 4-year veteran of the Melvindale Police force.

The Detroit Public Safety Foundation, who initiated the locker room project in Melvindale, had originally been known as the Detroit Police Foundation when it formed in 2003, later changing its name in 2011. Its mission has remained steady, however: working to strengthen police and fire departments while promoting public safety. Fundraising is a key component of attaining this goal. "We're doing so many things in the community to help bridge relationships between police and young people and families in the community. If you trust the police, you're more likely to work with them," said Kukula. More information about the organization, its fundraising events, and how to make a donation can be found at http://www.detroitpublicsafety.org