This is one R.S.V.P. that should be easy to make.
R.S.V.P. members John Kunselman and Bernie Kotkin
The Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol – R.S.V.P. for short – is looking for recruits.
The program, launched in 1994 by Maureen Becerra, serves the dual purpose of allowing retired residents to give back to the city while also improving efficiency within the department.
“Volunteering, in general, offers me a sense of giving back to my community,” Lorraine R. Turissini says about her reasons for joining R.S.V.P. “Volunteering for the Fullerton Police Department offers me a sense of pride.”
Bernie Kotkin echoed that sentiment.
“As volunteers, we free up the sworn officers to be available to handle the daily calls for assistance in our city,” he says. “It feels good to feel useful. I especially like assisting with traffic control and working city events.”
R.S.V.P. members help the FPD in many ways, including assisting at St. Jude Wellness, issuing handicap parking citations, helping with traffic access, working public events, doing some clerical work, and serving as an extra set of eyes and ears for sworn officers.
The volunteers are unsung heroes throughout the police department, Sgt. Jeff Stuart says.
“It wasn’t until I was transferred to Community Services that I saw how valuable these people are to the department,” Stuart says.
After enjoying success in the past nine years, R.S.V.P. is looking to grow. There currently are 18 active members participating at varying levels. FPD is looking to add at least 10 new members in the coming months, and has made the process of volunteering much easier.
In the past, volunteers first had to attend a 10-week citizen’s academy before applying for the program. Now, Stuart and Capt. Lorraine Jones have devised a new course centered on an immersion period where new volunteers ride along with a mentor for about six months.
Anyone interested in joining R.S.V.P. can contact either Sgt. Stuart at [email protected] or Juanita Juarez at (714)738-6836 or [email protected].
