Congratulation to our 2025 Volunteer of the Year James Smart!
Since joining the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program in 2023, James has truly hit the ground running. He promptly attended all required Police Department training to ensure he could perform his duties appropriately, safely, and effectively. James actively seeks feedback on his performance and consistently applies it to improve with each new assignment, demonstrating a strong desire to learn, grow, and serve at the highest level.
James's commitment extends well beyond any single assignment. He reliably goes above and beyond in both his role and the broader community. As a Volunteer Driver for the Police
Activities League and a dedicated helper at the Police Activities League Crab Feed, James plays an important role in supporting programs that foster positive youth engagement and strengthen community partnerships.
He is a constant presence at Homeless Outreach Partnership and Engagement events, where his compassion, reliability, and willingness to serve wherever needed have made a meaningful difference for some of Fairfield's most vulnerable residents. James approaches every interaction with respect and empathy, embodying the true spirit of volunteer service.
His dedication has not gone unnoticed. The City of Fairfield has formally recognized James as an important volunteer for his tireless mission to improve the quality of life for all Fairfield
residents through his involvement in Adopt-A-Street cleanups throughout the city. His ongoing efforts help keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and welcoming.
Public safety is another area where James consistently answers the call. He is always willing to assist with traffic control callouts, often at a moment's notice, helping protect community members during unsafe or hazardous road conditions. His dependability and willingness to step
in whenever needed have made him a trusted and valued volunteer.
James also lives out the principles of the Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Watch model, "See Something, Say Something." He is a reliable and trusted reporting party who consistently alerts police dispatch to suspicious activity in his neighborhood, providing timely and accurate information that helps keep his community safe. On numerous occasions, James has found himself as the first person on scene at traffic collisions, where he has stepped up without
hesitation to provide critical, life-saving measures and relay real-time intelligence to first responders. His calm presence and quick action have made a meaningful difference during moments when seconds truly matter.
James is one of the core members of the Fleet Maintenance Team, which plays a critical role in
keeping the police fleet accessible and operational for officers. Through washing vehicles, driving them regularly, and submitting maintenance tickets, James helps prevent "lot rot" and ensures vehicles are well-maintained and ready for immediate use in the field. This behind-the-scene work is vital to daily police operations and public safety.
Dependable, proactive, and deeply committed, James is a true team player whose volunteer service consistently exceeds expectations. His contributions have a direct and lasting impact on public safety, community well-being, and departmental operations. For these reasons, James is exceptionally deserving of recognition as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
