From news release
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The city on Monday announced the creation and appointment of new LGBTQIA+ liaisons for both the city and Rockford Police Department.
The liaisons are intended to serve as friendly and accessible ears to the city’s LGBTQIA+ community and elevate related concerns to the mayor’s office and the chief of police.
Emily Schmidt, manager of youth prevention and intervention strategies, has taken on the additional role of LGBTQIA+ liaison for the city. Michelle Marcomb, media and marketing coordinator, is the police department’s liaison.
“As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I know the challenges this community faces,” Schmidt said in a news release. “I think this is the perfect opportunity for me to help strengthen the relationship between the LGBTQIA+ community and our local government.”
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“These appointments allow citizens of Rockford to have direct contacts to raise concerns, share praise, as well as the ability to notify the city of events sponsored by the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies,” Schmidt said. “The creation of both liaison positions provides a coordinated response to the community’s needs and will increase visibility and safety for the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Marcomb said she has multiple family members in the LGBTQA+ community and the appointment furthers her commitment as an ally.
“A section of the Rockford Police Department Mission Statement states that we are committed to making the city of Rockford a safe community in which to live, work and flourish,” Marcomb said. “My main focus is to assist with that mission and help foster an inclusive environment, both internally and externally, so that all members of the LGBTQIA+ community feel safe in reporting issues that may be impacting them.”
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To contact the liaisons with an idea, comment, concern or event, residents should visit the city’s website at rockfordil.gov.
