EVERETT — They get to cruise the city and connect with their neighbors.
Now the volunteers of the Everett Police Department are looking for folks to join their ranks.
Their tasks include following up with burglary victims, photographing graffiti and assisting at special events such as the Fourth of July open house. They also get to drive a marked police car.
There’s room for plenty of skill sets, said Sgt. Trevor Townsend, who until recently oversaw the squad.
For example, a volunteer with marine experience works alongside the dive team. The volunteers include retirees, but also current military members and people looking at a job in law enforcement.
“They’re people who want to serve their community,” he said. “This is a great way to do that. Most of them live nearby and they want to give back.”
Sam Cheyne, 68, of Marysville, likes being a go-between for police and the community. He worked for Boeing for decades.
The longest serving volunteers, Bill Searsy and Gene Hasson, have been with the department more than 20 years.
The newest volunteer, Barb Brown, 66, of Everett, has been learning more about her city.
“Everywhere you go with Sam he’s got a smile and a ‘How-d’ya-do,’?” she said.
She was looking for new friends when she joined.
“Just because we retire, our life’s not over,” she said. “We find a new one.”
The volunteers’ value is proven in hand- written cards pinned up at the police department’s south precinct.
“I get lots of letters of thank you,” Townsend said.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
How to help
Everett Police Department volunteers must be 18 and pass a background check. They are asked to commit to at least four hours a week. Work is available indoors and outdoors, for all abilities and skill sets.
The department also reminds people in city limits that they can request volunteers to check on their homes during vacations this summer.
More info: 425-257-7520, or stop by the south precinct, 1121 Everett Mall Way, during business hours.
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