Meet the town’s first policewomen
They joined the force in the late 1950s through the early 1960s. Although they didn’t carry weapons or make arrests, they were indeed sworn officers. They were on-call to conduct pat-downs of female detainees. They also monitored and (if necessary) physically engaged female prisoners at Burlington’s police station. And they escorted female prisoners during transfers, before the county assumed that responsibility.
But day-to-day, they functioned as traffic supervisors for the schools and town events.
Maureen Putnam montage:
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Great research and info on this one. Lots of folks will remember these women! Thanks!
Yes, I do remember a few of them. Thanks for posting this Bob.
I remember Madeline Burwells aqua 1963 Ford Galaxy hard top.Barbara Reichert was a friend of mine as well as Maureen Putnam.Most of these fine ladies walked me across Bedford St to the Wildwood school when I was a kid 50 years ago . I remember it like it was yesterday.Thank you all.Kim Ranger
I remember Mrs. Fields and Mrs. Burwell. Wasn’t Mrs. Fields also a girl scout leader? I can recall her telling me she would not give me a badge as I ‘flew up’ from Girl Scouts to Cadet’s unless I was serious about being a Cadet. Got my badge, but she was right…I was never a Cadet. (I thought I was serious) I can still see Mrs. Burwell’s beautiful eyes – as pretty as her daughter, my classmate/friend….Leigh Ann! I think Mrs. Burwells eyes matched her car!
Fond memories of Maureen Putnam 😉
Little sad no mention of my mother who did at least 30 years of service to the town. She was crossing the kids in front of Memorial school and then the highschool for many many years. Im 51 and she croased me going to Marshall Simonds. The town has never done anything for these women its a shame. They protected our babies crossing the street, our most precious commodity and the town did nothing for them, not even a bouquet of flowers when they retired. My mother is 79 now and the women she worked are all around that age group. Kind of sad.
I knew so many of these women. They were loving, capable and awesome women. God bless all of them. They had such positive influences on so many children. Maureen Putnam became a personal friend. I was blessed to have known her and her family.
I love this article! I only know Maureen Putnam, she’s such a sweet lady. I had no idea she was such a pioneer!
This is amazing! My mother is Madeline Burwell, the supervisor of the policewoman. She is 94 and still going strong! Thank you to the Putnam family for including her in this treasured montage!
If she has any old Burlington imagery, please reach out to me — Robert Fahey, editor 781-718-9872