The 9th Annual Women in Law Enforcement Conference Held at Roger Williams University

BRISTOL, RI (12/22/2010)(readMedia)-- Law enforcement professionals address mental health issues in their jobs every day: victim assistance, unstable criminals, or even their own secondary trauma resulting from working on the edge of danger. In response to these issues in policing, the 9th Annual Women in Law Enforcement Conference held at Roger Williams University last Friday offered two professional development seminars related to mental health. In addition, two local women were honored for their achievements and service to their communities during the Seminar luncheon that day.

Detective Pamela A. Bourgalt received the Irene C. Monahan Historical Leadership Award for lifetime achievement. Det. Bourgalt was honored for demonstrating continued leadership at the Fairhaven, Mass., Police Department. Since joining the department in 1992, she has tirelessly advocated for senior citizens and domestic violence victims while serving as a dedicated investigator. Assisting some of those most at-risk members of her community, Det. Bourgalt is also the town's domestic violence coordinator and elder affairs officer. In addition, she is a liaison with The Women's Center, the Fairhaven Senior Center and the Southeastern Alliance for Elders.

Detective Gail Zienowicz, a 25-year veteran of the Providence, R.I., Police Department, received the Excellence in Performance Award, which honors service and achievement in the last year. Det. Zienowicz presently serves in the Internal Investigations and Inspections Division of the Department, working tirelessly to address civilian complaints of alleged police officer misconduct.

This year's event was sponsored by the Roger Williams University Justice System Training & Research Institute, and the New England Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc.

About RWU: Roger Williams University is a leading independent, coeducational liberal arts university at which students live and learn to be global citizens. With 41 academic programs and an array of co-curricular activities on its Bristol, R.I., campus, RWU is committed to its mantra of learning to bridge the world. In the last decade, the University has achieved unprecedented academic and financial successes and continues to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top ten educational institutions in its class.