To the Editor:
Friends of Olalla extends its thanks to the dedicated, community-spirited members of our area’s “Citizens on Patrol” – a long time service organization in our valley communities. In the nighttime hours of each weekend throughout the year, COP volunteers add their eyes and ears to those of our local RCMP members, in vigilant safety patrols of our neighborhoods and their rural surroundings. While their presence also adds to the safety of Keremeos and Cawston residents, we especially thank them for their regular presence on the streets of Olalla, our own home area.
We salute them for their contribution to our well-being. We also encourage adult residents of Olalla and all our neighboring communities to consider joining them in their work. After completing a satisfactory no-cost criminal record check through our local RCMP Detachment, potential volunteers are contacted by COP and asked for a commitment of one four-hour shift of duty per month plus attendance at a two-hour monthly meeting. Volunteers work in pairs, for their own safety. As they witness suspicious behavior, they relay their information to the police, without personal active engagement. On-the-job orientation and training are provided to new volunteers by seasoned members. You can apply for your criminal record check at any time during the detachment’s Monday through Friday office hours. Just say you’re applying to be a COP volunteer.
Friends of Olalla is a newly formed community organization, in the process of completing its application for status as a society within our province. We are dedicated to enhancing the beauty of and pride in our picturesque community, and encouraging friendly, respectful support among all of our residents, while honouring the free-spirited tradition of this special place.
If you are an Olalla area resident, you are welcome to our meetings and to participate in our planning and our projects. More information is available by calling 250-599-9090 (yes, 599 numbers are local numbers).
Again, Thank you, Citizens On Patrol!
from your Friends Of Olalla