Each year, the Queen City Police Foundation recognizes an individual who works closely with the Burlington Police Department and who contributes significantly to the overall well being of the greater Burlington community, by presenting the Antonio B. Pomerleau Medal of Honor Award. The 2011 recipient of the Medal of Honor is Gail Shampnois, Director of Student and Community Relations at the University of Vermont.
In her 19 years at the University of Vermont, 14 as the liaison between the university and the City of Burlington and 5 as the Director of the Office of Student and Community Relations, Gail has collaborated with numerous campus and community members, governmental entities, and organizations to create healthier and safer neighborhoods.
Her dedication to these efforts has been recognized by the City of Burlington in its awarding of the 2000 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Award; the Community Partnership Decade Award; and the Coveted Badge Award in Recognition of Outstanding Dedication and Exceptional Service to the Members of the Burlington Police Department. In spring 2011, Gail was a Campus Leadership for Civic Engagement Award Finalist in recognition of her work to engage students in the civic life of Burlington through creating community gardens, doing street clean-ups, and participating in neighborhood summits to address challenges.
Gail’s commitment to partnership is most apparent in the UVM Community Coalition where campus and community stakeholders discuss and take action on neighborhood issues and opportunities. Some initiatives are the Off Campus Living Workshops, the Off Campus Living Survival Guide, and the Neighborhood Grants Program.
The Antonio B. Pomerleau Medal of Honor Award will be presented to Gail during the Benefit Breakfast on Friday, May 20th. The Queen City Police Foundation provides funding for innovative police department projects not available from the city's budget, in order to better serve the community, improve communications, and foster excellence in policing, as well as provide assistance to families of officers who die while in service to the city.