A Camden County police officer met with President Barack Obama at the White House on Feb. 24, NBC Philadelphia reported Thursday. Patrolwoman Virginia Matias, 28, was among five officers from around the nation selected to sit with the president and discuss ways to improve community relations and enhance public safety.
Vice President Joe Biden also attended the meeting.
Matias and the other officers were chosen for the honor by their respective department heads. Camden County Police Chief Scott Thompson informed Matias that she had been picked for the White House visit.
At first Matias thought it was a joke, but soon realized Thompson wasn't kidding. Matias is very passionate about her work — which she attributed to receiving the nomination.
"I feel as though [Obama] chose us because we are a model for community policing, myself and my fellow officers," Matias told NBC Philadelphia. "He just wanted to get our feedback on what's working in the community."
Matias said she's always been interested in law enforcement, but was inspired to become and officer after her uncle was murdered in 2003 while operating his North Camden bodega.
"I really think at that moment I wanted to be a part of a change in my city," she said. "Then I had the opportunity to fulfill that dream and be a change."
Matias was named Officer of the Week by the Camden County Police Department in December. According to the department's website, Matias volunteers once a week to read to kindergarteners with the Police and Congress Enjoy Reading program at Bonsall School.
“Officer Matias goes above and beyond every week. She is not only a great asset to the police department but she is an amazing role model for the youth of Camden,” said Sgt. Jeremy Merck.