SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers VALUABLE VOLUNTEERS—The Moorpark Police Department and the City Council honored members of the Moorpark Volunteers in Policing this week. The honorees received a President's Volunteer Service Award because for their many hours of donated time. The award program was established by former President George W. Bush in 2003. A group of local men and women who donated time to help keep the city safe received special recognition at the City Council this week.

Over the past five years, Moorpark Police volunteers spent more than 11,800 hours helping to patrol the city and assisting authorities at the local station. The estimated monetary value of their contribution equates $230,000 in savings for the city, said Capt. Ron Nelson during the presentation honoring the 18 local residents.

"Moorpark Volunteers and Volunteers in Policing are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to bring us closer together as neighbors and a nation," said the captain, as Ventura County Sheriff's Department leaders handed out President's Volunteer Service Awards to each individual in the group.

The national program established by President George W. Bush recognizes individuals, families and groups who demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service.

"The award is our way of thanking these volunteers and inspiring everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives," Nelson said.

Mia Busch, who received a silver award for her 404 hours of service, joined the police volunteers about four years ago to model good citizenship attributes for her 7-year-old son, and to get a glimpse of what goes on within a police station. "It's a good chance for my son to see mom doing something good and appreciate what people in law enforcement do," she said.

The local resident added she's also doing this to get out of her "comfort zone" and to help change negative public perceptions of law enforcement. "It's easy to bash police but it's almost like a thankless job. These are human beings just like everyone else so they should be appreciated," she said.

Dorothy Podry, who joined the police volunteer force 15 years ago, agreed. She spent 1,477 hours on duty since 2003 because she enjoys the work and it enables her to be the "eyes and ears" of the police, she said.

The Moorpark Volunteer in Policing program was founded in the mid-1990s.

Participants are trained to assist in many policerelated services that include patrolling, fingerprinting, crime documentation and information follow-up with victims, said Sr. Dept. Robert Berger.

Volunteers also offer referrals to public and private social service agencies.

"Police volunteers are the unsung heroes . . . giving their personal time for the benefit of the community," said Councilmember Keith Millhouse. Without their assistance, the city couldn't host large events such as the Third of July Fireworks and Moorpark Country Days parade, he said.

Persons interested in joining the program are invited to call Berger at (805) 532-2700.