July 11: Sharon J. Lubinski, U.S. Marshal

"Hopefully my coming out will dispel any myths that you can’t be gay and in uniform."

b. July 11, 1952

In 2010, Sharon J. Lubinski became the nation’s first openly gay United States Marshal. She is the first female to hold this post in Minnesota.

A native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Lubinski received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1974 and a master’s degree from Hamline University in 1992.  She has served 32 years in law enforcement, including 12 years of command experience as precinct commander of downtown Minneapolis and deputy chief of patrol. From 2006 to 2010, Lubinski managed the Minneapolis Police Department’s daily operations as assistant chief of police. 

In 2009, Senator Amy Klobuchar recommended Lubinski to the post of United States Marshal for the District of Minnesota stating, “Her mix of experience managing a large, urban police department and working in a rural sheriff’s office makes her uniquely qualified to serve in this role.” United States Marshals are responsible for running the enforcement arm of the federal courts. They protect court officers, apprehend fugitives, transport federal prisoners and protect federal witnesses.   

After nominating Lubinski, President Obama stated, “She has dedicated her career to the noble cause of protecting her fellow Americans. She has displayed exceptional courage in the pursuit of justice, and I am honored to nominate her today to continue her selfless work as a U.S. Marshal for the District of Minnesota."

Lubinski is a member of the community faculty at the Metropolitan State University School of Criminal Justice and is a doctoral candidate in Public Administration at Hamline University.

Bibliography

"Assistant Chief of Police Sharon Lubinski.” City of Minneapolis, Minnesota Official Web Site. 6 July 2010.
"President Obama Nominates Sharon Lubinski for U.S. Marshal for the District of Minnesota.”WhiteHouse.gov. 6 July 2010.
"Sharon Lubinski: Senate Confirms First Openly Gay US Marshal." The Huffington Post. 6 July 2010.
"United States Marshal Sharon Lubinski." USMarshals.gov. 6 July 2010.


Article about Sharon Lubinski
Right Pundits: First Gay U.S. Marshal (Open Talk)


Website
U.S. Marshals Service