Annie Baumgart and Amy Rahlf: Maximize the Good

Unexpected events have defined much of Shirley Shaw’s life.

She never expected to raise her grandchildren. She never expected to grieve her daughter’s death as a homicide victim. And last Christmas, Shirley never expected the overwhelming outpouring of support from her community following her family’s tragedy.

Standing by Shirley in these challenging moments were Officer Annie Baumgart and Sergeant Amy Rahlf of the St. Paul Police Department’s Community Engagement Unit.

With careers spanning over two decades—Amy since 1999 and Annie since 2001—their commitment to serving the St. Paul community goes beyond their roles as police officers. Former street partners, their shared passion for community outreach has shaped their careers.

“Even when we were officers on the street, we always looked for ways to go the extra mile for families in need,” Annie shared with TeamWomen. “Whether it was helping a family get groceries or a gift for a child’s birthday, we’re always striving to maximize our impact for good.”

Their efforts ripple through the community, focusing especially on youth engagement. Here’s how the Community Engagement Unit creates meaningful connections and provides critical support:

• Safe Summer Nights: Community gatherings where officers connect with residents over a meal instead of in moments of crisis.
• Law Enforcement Career Path Academy (LECPA): A program supporting young adults aspiring to join the police force.
• Backpack Drives: Preparing essential supplies for children in crisis.
• Holiday Outreach: Events like Shop with a Cop and Cops and Kids.

Cops and Kids For 23 years, St. Paul officers have volunteered their time to collect donations and purchase holiday gifts for children in Children’s and Gillette Hospitals. The program also supports families with terminally ill children, ensuring the entire family receives gifts.

Shop with a Cop Supported by the St. Paul Police Foundation, this event brings officers and families together as they shop, wrap, and deliver holiday presents to those in need.

Given the potential for good these programs provide, it was natural for TeamWomen to partner with the St. Paul Police Department in their holiday-giving efforts.

The partnership’s roots trace back to TeamWomen Co-founder Pam Borton and former Deputy Chief Mary Nash. It deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic when Amy, Annie, and former Deputy Chief Julie Maidment collaborated with TeamWomen’s Executive Director, Katy Burke. Together, they nurtured a relationship that amplified the strengths of both organizations. Their collaboration embodies a core value of TeamWomen: We are stronger together.

With SPPD’s network of women leaders and commitment to youth empowerment, as well as TeamWomen’s programs like the Leadership Conference, WaveMaker Awards, and Empower Leadership Academies, the opportunities for collaboration are endless.

One of their most impactful efforts has been helping families in need during the holidays. Through TeamWomen’s extensive network, Annie and Amy have connected families like Shirley Shaw’s with vital support.

Last December, Shirley experienced the full force of this partnership. Annie, Amy, and TeamWomen members arrived at her door, bearing Christmas gifts and a gift card. Overcome with gratitude, Shirley shared a photo of the moment on Facebook, writing, “OMG your ladies made me cry… this gift card helps with so much. Thanks so much.”

“Every person cries when unloading the gifts,” Annie said. “We show up with all this stuff, and people are overwhelmed because we’ve surpassed their expectations.”

Beyond the immediate joy, these moments build lasting relationships. Shirley’s connection with the officers has grown, and she now has a support network she can rely on. In fact, Shirley was recently invited to speak at the TeamWomen Holiday Party on December 5.

The partnership between TeamWomen and the St. Paul Police Department continues to reflect Annie and Amy’s guiding vision: Maximizing their impact for good. And that’s exactly what they do—every single day.

Learn more about the community outreach work of the St. Paul Police Department here. Learn more about how to get involved with TeamWomen’s many service opportunities here. Donate to TeamWomen to support our partner program with the St. Paul Police Department Community Engagement Programs here.