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SEEKONK - Sgt. Michelle Hines has been a member of the Seekonk Police Department for 25 years, and recently was presented the Lifesaver Award from the state chapter of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions).

Hines was nominated for the award by a fellow officer for her work installing child safety seats in vehicles.

"It was very nice, very unexpected," Hines said of the honor.

Former Chief Vito Scotti initiated the child safety seat program about six or seven years ago. Hines then was sent to a training class to learn how to install the safety seats.

"Since then, I think it's blossomed into a great program for this department," Hines said. Hines, who joined the Seekonk Police Department as a special officer in 1983, is only one of two female officers in the department. However, Hines was the only full-time female officer when she joined, and male colleagues were not impressed.

"They didn't want me here," Hines recalled. "They thought I was taking the job from someone else, but over the years that cooled off."

During an interview with The Sun Chronicle for this story, Hines is asked to assist other officers on a call.

A woman has been apprehended for shoplifting at a business on Taunton Avenue. Hines explained that larceny is very common.

"People will steal everything, and anything," Hines said. "We have a lot of stealing, which in legal terms is larceny. (People) steal for all sorts of reasons. A majority of it I think is all drug-related."

Hines loves what she does, although she is always aware of the risks that come with police work.

"Every police officer is in danger at some time or another," Hines said.

"That's the nature of the job."

Joseph W. Siegel covers Seekonk for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at joesiegel@cox.net.