More images can be found here: http://photoomaha.smugmug.com/Travel/Adair-Ia-Trip-2-17-12/21561334_TMPF76#!i=1719173863&k=WD9qW9c

Pam started with the Fourth Judicial District in 1981 as a Probation/Parole Officer 1.  She was reclassified to PPO2 in 1983 and promoted to PPO3 as the TASC (Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime) Coordinator in 1990.  In 2001, she was reclassified as Residential Division Manager.

Pam graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1978 with a BS in Criminal Justice.  She earned an Associate’s Degree in Sign Language in 1986 and became a certified interpreter.  In 1993, she earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling.

Pam has been involved with many innovative changes in Community Based Corrections through the years.  She worked on Evidence Based Practices, Motivational Interviewing, Victims’ Services, Leadership 101, Cognitive Restructuring, Re-Entry, Batterers’ Education and WOCMM (Women Offender Case Management Model) to name a few.  She has been certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor for many years.

Pam has had a positive influence on many people over the years.  As a Probation Officer, she always kept in mind what was best for the client.  As a manager, she was fair and accessible.

The city of Council Bluffs is a better place to live because of her service.

Person of Character

Mr. Rick Jacobi is currently the music teacher at Harvey Oaks Elementary.  He continually goes above and beyond the normal duties as an instructor.  You can definitely feel that he cares for the kids and wants them to succeed.  Always with a smile, and a kind word, Mr. Jacobi is a true Person of Character.

Mr. Jacobi has been teaching for 19 years.  Previously he has taught at Christ the King and Norris Elementary.  He obtained his Masters in Music at UNO and received his under grad from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.  On his days off, you can find him playing regularly at St. Wenceslaus on Sundays, and usually a wedding on Saturdays.

Person of Character

Phil Lopez has been a member with the Omaha Fire Department for over 16 years.  On his way home from duty on the morning of Sunday, January 8th, Phil noticed smoke from a house.  He was able to alert the resident and notify the fire department.  Phil is married to his wife Teresa, and they have two children.  A link to the Omaha World Herald story can be found here:  http://www.omaha.com/article/20120108/NEWS01/120109760

We are going to start a year long project, but I will need your help.  I am looking for “People of Character” that live in our community.  Someone that has helped mankind for the greater good.  If you have any ideas, or would like to nominate someone, please shoot me an email and how I can contact them.  We will create a gallery with the portraits and look at having a display at the end of the year!  In the next few days I will be posting our first POC.