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Cape Police Department recognizes community efforts

By Staff | Feb 24, 2017

The Cape Coral Police Department recently recognized its volunteers at an annual event.

The Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon took place on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. During the event, the members of the CCPD’s Police Volunteer Unit were honored for all that they do for the department and for the services that they provide to the city’s community.

“They serve a lot of functions to assist the city and to keep the city moving forward,” Police Chief Dave Newlan said, noting that the luncheon is a way to show its appreciation for the volunteers.

“I want to thank them for their dedication,” he added.

According to officials, many of the volunteers have donated over 1,000 hours over the course of one calendar year. The unit alone has saved the citizens of Cape Coral more than $1 million each year.

“They’re volunteering their time to be a part of the city and make it a better place,” Newlan said.

At the luncheon, one volunteer is honored as the Volunteer of the Year.

This year’s award went to Doreen Robertson, who joined the PVU in September 2013.

She said it was her first time earning the recognition.

“It embarrasses me,” Robertson said on Wednesday. “I just do what I do.”

“That’s not why I do it,” she added of the accolade. “It’s something I enjoy doing.”

Stanley Maliszewski, Robertson’s supervisor, noted that the PVU command staff makes the pick.

“She was unanimously voted for her dedication and the hard work she puts in,” he said.

Maliszewski added that Robertson puts in a lot of time.

She grossed the most hours worked – 1,432 in total – for the year.

“She’s there and she helps out,” he said. “If you need something done, ask Doreen.”

“She looks out for everybody,” Maliszewski added.

Robertson joined the PVU after moving to the Cape in 2011 for retirement. She had previously volunteered with the state police and CERT in New Jersey. Robertson pointed out that as a volunteer, she worked 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, as well as responded to tragedies like a college suicide.

“I always have to give back to the community,” she said.

As a member of the Cape team, Robertson chose to join the patrol division.

“I wanted to be out there on scene and help with the accidents and such,” she said.

Robertson also serves as the PVU’s events coordinator. She explained that her duties entail getting volunteers together for parades or signing them up for activities, like directing traffic at events.

“I get all those people together and assign them their positions,” Robertson said.

Asked why she volunteers, she cited giving back.

“What I love most is giving back to the community,” Robertson said.

“I love just helping the people,” she added.

Robertson encouraged others to volunteer their time.

“I really believe as a member of the community, people should give back,” she said.

Prior to moving to the Cape for retirement, Robertson worked at the unemployment office in New Jersey for 35 years. Her last position as a supervisor had her managing a staff of 250 employees.

Also recognized at Wednesday’s luncheon for clocking in top hours were: Tom LaPointe, with 1,334 hours; Bob Bowers, with 1,140; Bill Lantz, with 1,124 hours and Mike Wright, with 1,124 hours.

Ten-year service awards were handed out to:

* Bob Hebner

* John Kays

* Rusty Reichenbach

The CCPD also handed out five-year service awards to Pat Backhaus, Jan Eck, Lars Giers, Daryl Johnston, Barbara Martin, John Popejoy, Frances Strong, Doug Van Tol and Joe Viacava.

Lunch for the event was provided by Mission BBQ.

For more information about the Police Volunteer Unit, call 239-242-3346.