Senate confirms new US marshal in Minnesota

Sharon Lubinski's
Sharon Lubinski has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Minnesota's newest U.S. Marshal.
Photo courtesy of http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us

A woman who went into law enforcement 31 years ago so she could serve her community and "go after the bad guys" has been confirmed as the next U.S. marshal for Minnesota -- making her the first openly gay U.S. marshal in the nation and the first woman to serve in the post for the state.

Sharon Lubinski, the assistant police chief in Minneapolis, was confirmed to the post on Thursday by the full U.S. Senate. She learned the news later that day, and it was made public Monday.

"It was a nice Christmas present," Lubinski said Monday. "It's very exciting. I think it's an exceptional time to be serving in the federal system."

Lubinski, a native of Green Bay, Wis., made headlines when she announced in a 1993 Minneapolis Star Tribune interview that she was a lesbian. She was the first openly gay officer in the Minneapolis department.

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Colleagues said she never approached her job with an activist agenda, though her announcement inspired other gay officers to go public.

"Being gay is part of who I am, but I think the even bigger piece here is that it's essential that law enforcement agencies reflect the communities that they serve, whether it's the state, local or federal level," Lubinski said. "First and foremost my responsibility is to make sure I serve everyone in the community, no matter what their background, no matter what their race ... so everyone in the community can feel they are getting the best and equal justice."

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar recommended Lubinski for the U.S. marshal post in June, and President Barack Obama formally nominated her in October.

"Sharon Lubinski will be an excellent U.S. marshal," Klobuchar said in a statement announcing the confirmation. "Her mix of experience managing a large, urban police department and working in a rural sheriff's office makes her uniquely qualified for this position. I know she will make Minnesota proud as she serves in this role."

Lubinski, 57, said her heart has always been in community service.

She has been the assistant police chief in Minneapolis since 2006. Before that, she served as a patrol officer, precinct commander and deputy chief. From 1978 to 1986, she was a deputy with the Dane County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin.

As assistant chief in Minneapolis, Lubinski is second in command of a force of about 880 sworn officers and 200 civilian employees. She's responsible for the department's daily operations, including the budget and labor relations.

She was also part of the department's planning team for the Republican National Convention and was a member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force from 2004 to 2006.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak issued a statement saying Lubinski "possesses a unique blend of toughness, caring and competence" and has been a shining example of what a police officer should be.

Lubinski said she hopes to move into her new role within a few weeks, but a definite timetable hasn't been set.

U.S. marshals oversee federal courthouse security, witness protection and the apprehension of federal fugitives. They also transport federal prisoners. Lubinski called it a "very, very motivating kind of job."

She added she's looking forward to the challenge of offering top-notch service at a time of shrinking budgets.

And while she said being gay is "something that is unique," she says she got the post because of her 31 years of law enforcement experience and her track record of bringing positive change to organizations.

"To me, diversity in law enforcement overall is a critical thing. So I think that makes a statement in and of itself," she said. "I think I can take my experience and learn the ropes over at the federal level and really dig in over there and ... hopefully make a difference."

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)