Standing only five feet tall, Rumford police Officer Jennifer Cramer is slightly taller than the police cruiser she drives. But don't let her size fool you. The Glens Falls, N.Y., native who grew up in Naples and graduated in 1985 from Portland's Catherine McCauley High School, was a U. S. Marine Corps sergeant.

Besides serving her country for four years from 1996 through 2000, Cramer was also the first woman from her squadron to become a female crew chief for a CH-53E Sikorsky Super Stallion, the largest and heaviest helicopter in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Following an internship with the Forest Service, she decided to try law enforcement and was hired as a Rumford patrolwoman last October.

Name: Jennifer Cramer

Age: 31

Height: 5 feet

Residence: Mexico

Occupation: Police officer

Relationship, married, single? In a long-term relationship with my boyfriend Chancey Libby, an Oxford County deputy.

Hobbies: Just about any outdoor recreation, especially fishing and hiking; I play the cello.

What do you like about playing the cello and how did you get interested in playing that instrument? I have always loved orchestral string instruments and classical music, in general. My Aunt Dianne died of cancer and left me her cello, so I made it a point to learn how to play. I took advantage of the music program at University of Maine at Farmington and took cello lessons, which I hope to resume soon.

Last music CD bought? Pablo Casals performing the Bach Cello Suites

Recommended any books or movies to fellow officers or friends? Movie: "The Kite Runner." Book: "Here If You Need Me" by Kate Braestrup. (She is the chaplain for the Maine Warden Service.)

College? Degree? Bachelor of Science in environmental science from University of Maine at Farmington, May 2007.

Why did you seek a degree in environmental science? In recent years environmental concerns have come to the forefront because we have realized that our actions in the past are having, and will continue to have, detrimental effects that will inevitably affect our way of life. I wanted to study environmental science so that I could help develop solutions for our future.

What's your take on global warming or climate change? Global warming and climate change are scientifically researched and the evidence is clear. The actions of humankind have contributed to the warming of our climate, which has had a myriad of effects ranging from species extinction to severe drought affecting millions of people on this earth.

What is law enforcement like based on your experience so far? Law enforcement has given me the opportunity to connect with my community and help to make it a safer place to live. It has been a really positive experience.

What's it like being the only female patrol officer with Rumford police? My fellow police officers are extremely supportive and treat me like their sister. I do occasionally receive comments from some individuals in the community who are shocked when they see a 5-foot female police officer come to their house and are surprised that I am doing this job.

What advice can you give women who want to become police officers? I give women the same advice I give men. Stay in shape, stay out of trouble and stay away from drugs. This job is definitely not for everyone. It's a great responsibility to be a leader of your peers and it can be challenging to handle the amount of stress that comes with this job.

Why did you enter the military and why the Marines? Ever since I attended an air show at Brunswick Naval Air Station in junior high I wanted to join the military. I chose the Marine Corps because of all the people I knew in the military service; the Marines I knew were the most proud of their service.

What was the toughest thing about being a Marine? Being away from my family was one of the hardest parts. ... However, I was fortunate enough to travel all over the world gaining unforgettable experiences.

What was it like becoming the first lady helicopter crew chief in your squadron? It was very challenging being a trailblazer. Women were still very new to the aviation field and not everyone was happy to have me as part of the team. However, once I proved myself the job became lots of fun.

What was it like working with the CH-53E Sikorsky Super Stallion, the largest and heaviest helicopter in the U.S. Marine Corps? It was a very exciting and challenging job. I always wanted to fly, and although I wasn't a pilot, being part of the flight crew was a dream come true for me.