Tim and Cheryl McNamara…
A long history of unparalleled contributions

We must all defer to the better angels of our nature
-Abraham Lincoln

by Bernie Fratto
February 2005

 Say hello to Novi Police Lieutenant
 Tim McNamara. If you live in Novi,
 he’s hard to miss… You’ll see him at
 sporting events, rooting on the local
 team. You see him at the local diner;
 spreading cheer and making people
 feel good. You’ll see him on the Little
 League diamond, helping out wherever
 needed.
 
You see him walking the beat, with the presence and ease of the 27-year police veteran he is. Last Christmas, he even helped the Fraternal Order of Police by taking a child on a shopping trip to Target.

And, say hello to Cheryl McNamara as well. Together, Mr. And Mrs. McNamara have combined for over 50 years of service to the City of Novi. And together, they have touched thousands of lives. In fact, Tim McNamara calls his wife ‘a saint.’ But, I’ll let you in on a little secret; it takes one to know one.

When Tim McNamara is not on duty, you’ll find him mowing lawns, engaging in river and park cleanups, or just basically doing anything he can to contribute to the well being of the People of Novi, Michigan.

“It was the way I was brought up,” McNamara stated. “I think being a police officer, I am more comfortable dealing with many situations and not looking the other way,” he added.

When Cheryl McNamara is not on duty in her very important function as a member of the Finance Team for the City of Novi, she is also interwoven into the fabric of the community. As Vice-President of the Novi Community Goodfellows, she enters her 8th year of service. (By the way, this month Cheryl McNamara celebrates her 25th anniversary at the City of Novi).

She works tirelessly to help families in need by canvassing the town and looking for contributions, while at the same time, fielding calls from folks who qualify for assistance, but unfortunately they don’t know where to turn.

“This is a huge job,” she admitted. But her efforts provide relief and comfort for many, which make this endeavor a rather high-calling. Last year, under the guidance of Cheryl McNamara and her team, Novi Goodfellows provided clothing to approximately 50 families.

Her efforts extend to physically packing boxes at the Goodfellows Warehouse. Many times she’s done it with husband Tim and her children in tow. It’s quite a family event, and a terrific show of humility and grace with the kids’…. Talk about leading by example!

Not to be outdone, when Tim McNamara is not mowing lawns or pitching batting practice, you may find him shoveling snow and cleaning up yards for many local veterans. Last year he even pitched in by selling pumpkins to help people in need.

What is it exactly that drives these folks to such selfless acts of humanity and kindness? It is clear that their values were instilled at a very young age…

“For as long as I can remember,” Tim McNamara said, “ I thought being a Police Officer would be the coolest job in the world.” Growing up in Redford and attending St. Agatha High School, he recalled an event that took place when he was 4-years old. Simply put, he never forgot it. A giant Turtle had gone astray, and he was worried about his safety, when a Redford Police Officer happened upon the scene.

“This friendly, larger-than-life police officer gently gained control of the turtle, and assured all of us that he would take him to the zoo and find a natural safe environment,” McNamara related. Actually, “I’ll never really know if the turtle made it to the zoo,” he stated, “but I’ll never forget the officer’s sincere intent at putting our mind at ease and helping the turtle, while also helping us.”

Later as Tim McNamara grew up, and held jobs in restaurants, he interacted often with police officers and the theme remained the same. These were dedicated professionals that were truly interested in helping people and making the community a better place to live. “I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do with my life,” he stated emphatically. Police officers really were bigger than life, because they were very nice, and always helping people. After High School, he attended Oakland Community College, and studied business, but eventually his heart tugged and he gravitated to law enforcement. It was a natural fit for Tim McNamara.

Cheryl McNamara grew up in Madison Hts, Michigan and attended Lamphere High School. At the tender age of 8, her father passed away. Interestingly enough, it wasn’t until recently that Cheryl found out that her father was also a member of Goodfellows.

But she’ll never forget the event that touched her heart as a child, and left her mother overwhelmed with joy. Unannounced, the Goodfellows Chapter of Madison Heights dropped off toys, clothes, coats, and boots much to the surprise and appreciation of Cheryl and her mother.

“It was an awesome feeling,” Cheryl noted, and it provided the impetus for her to want to get involved as well.

So while you’re out on the town, say hello to Cheryl McNamara as well, she’s hard to miss too! She’s always lending a helping hand and bettering the lives of people that are truly in need.

It’s been an amazing, combined 50 years of service that Tim and Cheryl McNamara have contributed to the citizens of Novi and surrounding areas.

I can’t wait to see what the next 50 years holds…