In 2023, the Fairfield Police Department undertook a revitalization of its Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program, bringing together a dedicated group of community volunteers eager to strengthen the partnership between law enforcement and the community. This new group, alongside our valued core group of volunteers, was entrusted with addressing the department's evolving needs while amplifying our positive impact within the community.
The contributions of our police volunteers are invaluable, as they help fill staffing gaps and alleviate operational demands, all while bringing a diverse array of skills to their assignments. In their community-facing roles, our volunteers provide crucial support through safety initiatives, educational programs, and outreach events.
This year, The Fairfield Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit would like to nominate Dave Tyner for the 2024 Volunteer of the Year. Dave's commitment to understanding local law enforcement was evident when he enrolled in the Fairfield Police Citizens' Academy in 2023. Through this program, he gained invaluable insights into the roles, responsibilities, and challenges faced by law enforcement today, specifically the Fairfield Police Department. Following his completion of the academy, Dave answered the call to civic duty by joining the VIPS program.
Since becoming a part of our department, Dave has generously dedicated over 150 hours to volunteer efforts, utilizing his skills to enhance our internal operations and contribute to the effective maintenance of our fleet. This proactive approach has led to a notable decrease in maintenance-related service requests, ensuring that our officers and staff have access to relief vehicles during critical incidents. Additionally, Dave's readiness to respond during fatal collisions, providing vital traffic control, exemplifies his commitment to community safety.
Dave has shown remarkable dedication by volunteering extended hours to support the Citizens' Academy and participating in early morning sessions for the summer police youth academy. He continuously seeks to enhance his knowledge of current practices within the Fairfield Police Department through ongoing mandated training.
In what has been a relatively short time, Dave has made a meaningful impact on our organization and the community we serve. We are honored to announce Dave Tyner as our 2024 Volunteer of the Year.
