Sulphur Springs Chief of Police Jim Bayuk addressed a group of community volunteers in the Public
Library on Tuesday night, who are interested in the "Volunteers on Patrol" Program.



Citizens Volunteer For
Police Work

by: Bobby McDonald

 

The Sulphur Springs City Library was the site for an organizational meeting for those citizens interested in volunteering for the Sulphur Springs Police Department "Volunteers on Patrol" Program. Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jim Bayuk addressed a large group of interested citizens and expressed his desire to involve the citizens of the community in making certain that our community is a safe place to live. "I have only 41 employees to complete the needs of Sulphur Springs," stated Bayuk. "And, when anything major happens, we're spread thin!"

Bayuk fields questions from those who are interested in serving as volunteers in helping the police department.

Bayuk gave an example of a Friday afternoon traffic accident on the Broadway Street Overpass, as only one of the areas that citizens could become involved. "You'll receive training in directing traffic," he stated. "This would allow you to direct traffic, while the officers tended to the needs of the victims, contacted emergency personnel, and investigated the accident!"

Those citizens interested in becoming a part of the local program will be required to undergo a sixteen hour training course and make application. "The application process will allow us to complete background checks on those who plan to be a part of the program," advised Bayuk.

Bayuk introduced Sgt. Rex Morgan, who will serve as the coordinator of the newly organized program. Morgan is a 33 year veteran of the local police department and addressed the group with particular requirements for entering the program that has proved to be successful nation-wide.

 

Lt. Rex Morgan, a 33 year veteran of the local department, will serve as the coordinator of the
new volunteer program.

 

"I invision that we will have interested citizens helping with clerical work, answering phones, and patroling local neighborhoods," stated Morgan. "Citizen would be ideal to aid the department in monitoring neighborhoods and making checks at homes when residents are on vacation."


A definite need was expressed by the local department for volunteers and requirements include that the volunteer must be at least 21 years of age and participate in the CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Team) Program. Volunteers will be asked to volunteer a minimum of 8 hours per month and Bayuk plans to recognize those who contibute significantly to the program.

Those citizens interested in volunteering for the local program should contact Lt. Rex Morgan, at (903)885-7602, or Craig Morgan, Sr. Instructor and Team Leader, at (903)335-2491.

 

Interested citizens listen attentively to ways that they can volunteer in support of the local police department.

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