It should come to no surprise that as budgets grow tighter, volunteers become even more valuable. And that’s why the Columbia Police Department is especially lucky to have volunteer Tracye Harmon on its team.
Harmon has donated time to the Police Department since 2006, when she attended the Citizen’s Academy as a way to utilize her criminal justice degree. Since that time, she has worked at a number of events, such as the Polar Bear Plunge, Roots, the Blues and BBQ Festival and the Show-Me Games. She also drives the McGruff Crime Dog electric car at schools, which the kids “think is a blast.” And Harmon files intelligence bulletins, which the Department can then share with other law enforcement agencies.
Harmon’s supervisor, Officer Jessie Haden, says that Harmon recently took on a greater role in overseeing the volunteer program, along with two other volunteers. Officer Haden says that Harmon has shown considerable commitment: “She is really helping to keep our program vital and vibrant, and without dedicated volunteers like her, the community might not have Columbia Police Volunteers at all.”
But Harmon says that the experience, especially meeting people across the City, is a joy. Adds Harmon, “I’ve lived in the area my entire life, but didn’t know all of the things the Department was doing in the community. I feel very lucky to be part of it, and to be able to get a better sense of what they do.” And while the City and Police Department thank Harmon for her service, she would like to return the favor: “I would like to thank the officers for their hard work, and let them know that I love what I’m doing!”
Submitted by volunteer Sarah G. Madden
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