Volunteers in Policing celebrates its 25th anniversary
The Seal Beach Police Volunteers in Policing (VIP) is celebrating its 25th year of service to the Seal Beach community.
The Seal Beach Police Substation, located at the base of the Seal Beach Pier, opened in 1995. Longtime resident Jack Haley Sr. spearheaded the fundraising and construction of the building now located at 820 Ocean Ave.
This building houses the Seal Beach Police Volunteers in Policing. The volunteers were selected from residents who applied, passed a background check and completed training.
The volunteer academy included adhering to the mission statement, code of ethics and all procedures used by law enforcement.
The VIP organization consists of a board of directors and four teams, each headed by a supervisor and assistant supervisor. There are about 50 dedicated volunteers who currently serve in the program.
For the last 25 years the volunteers have assisted the SBPD with patrolling the city, crossing guard duty at McGaugh Elementary, DUI checkpoints, Drug Take Back, home security vacation checks, National Night Out, Tri-City Mail Run, doorto- door notifications, annual holiday parade, holiday patrols of business areas, administrative duties at the police department, fleet car maintenance and staffing of the substation.
Volunteers are the eyes and ears of the SBPD as well as goodwill ambassadors who are ready and willing to assist the SBPD in any area requested.
“Over the last 25 years, the VIP volunteers have provided an invaluable service to the Seal Beach Police Department and community at large,” said Seal Beach Chief of Police Philip L. Gonshak. “These men and women dedicate thousands of hours each year to giving back to Seal Beach, and do so simply out of the kindness of their hearts. Without their service, the efficiency and effectiveness of the SBPD would be greatly reduced. We thank them for the years of service and look forward to working with these wonderful volunteers for many years to come.”
For more information about volunteer opportunities with the Seal Beach Police Department, visit https:// www. sealbeachca. gov/Departments/Police/Volunteer- Programs or contact Sgt. Brian Gray at (562) 799-4100, ext. 1145, or bgray@sealbeachca.gov.
The Seal Beach Police Department's Jack Haley Community Safety Building is located at the
base of the Seal Beach Pier.
SBPD
