'Ulitmate' volunteers lauded
Together, they logged more than 20,000 hours last year serving their communities at public events like the Cloverdale Rodeo and Halloween Costume Parade, along with helping deliver anti-crime programs that help make Surrey safer.
And on Jan. 31, the Surrey RCMP and the City of Surrey held a special ceremony honouring the city’s “ultimate volunteers” – the 86 women and men who serve as auxiliary constables.
Karen Summers and Jason Pooni, Auxiliary members based out of the Cloverdale/Port Kells District 4 community office, were among those recognized.
Summers was honoured for her 20 years of service in Surrey, while Pooni received a provincial award for serving more than 500 hours.
“Since the 1960s, officers in Surrey have had the special privilege of working alongside these dedicated men and women whose commitment to public safety is unmatched,” Surrey RCMP Chief Superintendent Bill Fordy said at the ceremony.
Fordy described the auxiliary constables as an integral part of the detachment’s crime reduction strategy. Their role helps strengthen the bonds with the community and encourages the public to get on board crime prevention initiatives.
The auxiliary constable program in Surrey is the largest in the country. In 2012, Surrey’s auxiliary constables volunteered at 40 local events. A/Cst. Lelan Sheldan served an impressive 884 volunteer hours.
Mayor Dianne Watts also had high praise, saying Surrey is “extremely fortunate to have such a strong and committed Auxiliary Constable team.”
She also commended them for their thousands of hours of volunteer work in police programs, community celebrations and other projects.
For more on the program, visit www.surrey.rcmp.ca. Information sessions continue Feb. 16 at City of Surrey council chambers at 10 a.m. and noon.
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