Providence, RI--Richard F. Kless, director of off-campus living at Providence College, was honored by the Providence Police Department with a Community Partner Award for his efforts in maintaining a positive relationship between PC students and police in the Elmhurst neighborhood.

Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline and Colonel Dean M. Esserman, police chief, presented the award at a ceremony held recently at the Lockwood Community Center in Providence's south side.

The event was attended by dozens of members of the Police Department, Providence City Council members, and other community leaders.

Kless, who was one of 14 individuals and organizations honored with the award, was nominated for the honor by Providence Police Lt. Michael Correia, commanding officer for Providence's Camden Avenue substation. The station, known as the District 7 substation, is located near the intersection of Eaton Street and Douglas Avenue on College property that was renovated specifically for use by the Providence Police.

Since the department opened nine substations throughout Providence in 2002, the city has seen a dramatic downturn in violent crimes-from 14,039 incidents in 2002 to 9,821 incidents in 2007.

As off-campus living director, Kless oversees all services available for off-campus students, acts as liaison to area property owners, tracks and monitors home inspections, violations, and property sales, and maintains relations with the Elmhurst substation.

Correia said Kless's proactive approach to dealing with off-campus issues made him an easy choice for nomination.

"He was one of the first people I met when I took this job and he's been a valuable resource ever since," Correia said. "He's consistently been out in the neighborhood working to keep the kids safe."

Kless, who has been affiliated with PC as a student, student-athlete, and administrator since the early 1970s, said he was honored to be chosen as one of the award recipients and added that the collaborative effort among the College, students, and police department has paid great dividends in the Elmhurst area.

"I was just the fortunate person to be singled out by the police, but behavior and civility is really a 'we' task," Kless said. "Our work is not done, nor are we ever satisfied until we bat a thousand, yet, to be recognized by the police as having contributed in no small way to a better quality of life for the surrounding neighborhood is something our College can be proud of."

In addition to Kless, the Providence After School Alliance (PASA), an organization that aims to improve and increase quality after-school opportunities for Providence-area children and youth, was one of the organizations honored for their work. Providence College is one of PASA's many community partners and a number of the College's students volunteer in various PASA programs.

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