Kiwanis Club of Rehoboth Beach Recognizes Police Officer of the Quarter
by Rosemary Cummings

The Kiwanis Club of Rehoboth Beach recognized Rehoboth Beach Police Chief Keith Banks as Police Officer for the 2nd Quarter 2008 for his dedication, commitment, and involvement with and for the Rehoboth Beach community. Chief Keith W. Banks, Police Chief of Rehoboth Beach since March 2001 became the Rehoboth Beach Police Department 14th chief of police and youngest person to hold that position. Chief Banks rose through the ranks, beginning his career as a seasonal officer in 1989. Chief Banks has worked diligently to improve relations in the community as he and his department handles tough issues such as overcoming drug use in the community, drunk driving, and other criminal or security issues to create a safer community for residents and tourists. Of particular note, however, are the special initiatives he fostered. The Bicycle Safety Initiative provided literature and helmets to keep cyclists riding safely on the roads and to prevent highway accidents. The Foreign Student Worker Outreach program provides more than just free meals and orientation to the town, but also helps with communications, housing, and employment problems to make Rehoboth Beach a safe place to work, resulting in fewer police complaints on the part of both the students and the town's citizens. The Beach Week program this past spring, where Chief Banks visited towns to discuss with educators and parents groups, the problems students encounter when they visit beach towns just after high school graduation. It is these and other initiatives he supports which demonstrate his care and concern for the children of our community, and which are in keeping with the Kiwanis motto, Changing the World, One Child and One Community at A Time. Pictured: Chief Banks receiving commendation and Kiwanis memo from Kiwanis Club President, Rosemary Cummings.