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Hewn
from green marble, the Ethical Courage Award is
intended to honor and reflect the character and
actions of the person to whom it is presented.
The raw material, marble, symbolizes strength,
endurance and permanence. Green - the color of
truth - symbolizes virtue, honesty and authenticity.
When bestowed, the Ethical Courage Award is presented
during the proceedings of the Ethics Center's
International Ethics Conference.
2009
Ethics Achievement Award
Police Officer Michelle Guerette
Providence, RI
Police Department
In the spring of 2008, Providence, RI, Police Officer Michelle Guerette was preparing for an upcoming promotional examination when she learned that information about test materials and exam content might have been leaked to a potential candidate. An 11-year veteran of the force, Officer Guerette reported her concerns to superior officers and Internal Affairs, resulting in the exam being postponed and different study materials being selected. Given that her agency had been badly shaken by a widespread testing scandal during the administration of a previous mayor and police chief, current Providence Police Chief Dean Esserman described Officer Guerette’s actions as “morally courageous.” In stepping forward as she did, Officer Guerette knew that she would be taking a stance against her union and many longtime colleagues. On March 26, 2009, at a special ceremony at the Contemporary Issues and Ethics Conference, Officer Michelle Guerette was recognized for her exemplary demonstration of character and integrity, and presented with the Ethical Courage Award.
Since being awarded for the first time in 1998, this award has been intended to recognize an individual or an organization for especially meritorious leadership or courage related to law enforcement ethics and integrity. Included among the annual awards are those for Ethical Courage, Noble Service and Ethics Achievement.
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