News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By LeRae Haynes

New Community Policing president Andy Sullivan says that the new board is working to improve all the programs under that ‘umbrella’ and looking for ways to inspire and recruit more volunteers.

(Andy Sullivan invites the public to explore the many volunteer opportunities available through Community Policing.)

The new board included Bob Sunner as Vice President, Darrell Orosz as Past President, Donna-Marie Cyr as Treasurer and Harriet Hird as Secretary. The directors are Sabena Thompson, Dr. Elmer Thiessen, Grant Martin, Bob Paterson and Marie Lucier.

Andy explained that Citizens on Patrol is hoping increase its volunteer numbers by 20%.  “We want to get an increase in the patrols going out in the community—this is a great opportunity for young people to get some unique volunteer experience,” he stated. “This is a way to truly make a difference in your community—and it’s only two shifts a month. You can do day shifts in the downtown core, or evening shifts if that fits your schedule.”

He also said that Speed Watch is on the list of programs to be revitalized. “It’s especially effective in places like school zones,” he noted. “We have the support of the RCMP behind us and we’re planning to get that going again.”  

He said that new volunteers for Mounted Citizens on Patrol are always welcome, adding that the unique, effective program has experienced success in areas like discovering stolen property, besides creating a positive presence in the community.     

One new program that has attracted new members from the beginning is Business Watch, now coordinated by Bob Sunner from Laketown Furnishings. There is also Realty Watch coordinated by Glen Holling.  

“I’m looking forward to working with this bunch of people. The board is going to meet every two months, focusing on a different program at the meetings,” he explained.

He said that these Community Policing programs offer a unique opportunity for the community and the RCMP to work together. “We’re extra eyes and ears out there for them and they are very supportive of all our programs,” he said.“People find it very satisfying to be a volunteer with Community Policing: they say that they enjoy the camaraderie, the respect of the RCMP and like knowing that they’re trying to make their community safer.”

He also noted that they walk through the high schools, are starting to patrol elementary schools.  Volunteers in Community Policing have unique opportunities to connect with local citizens, according to Andy, from Restorative Justice and Circles of Strength, where volunteers facilitate chances for understanding and change, to Mounted Citizens on Patrol where being around people on horseback makes a unique community connection.

“Sometimes we have encountered people in the park who are intoxicated or on drugs and they give us a hard time—they’re mad at the world and they let you know about it. If you stop and talk with them, in a few moments they’re standing around you petting the horses,” he explained.

“We stop and let little kids pet the horses—people love them.”  

He said that when you find the perfect volunteer experience, it’s anything but a ‘sacrifice’ because you enjoy it.  “You get to use your best skills and strengths and interests. You don’t have to put in a bunch of hours in order to make a difference in your community. We don’t expect an all-consuming time commitment from our volunteers,” he said. “We do expect that this experience can change your life.”   

For more information about volunteering for any of the Community Policing programs or to find out more about them, phone 250-392-8701.

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