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The Topeka Police Department (TPD) Citizens' Academy Ambassadors was conceived January 31, 2009 when Police Chief Ron Miller invited to the Law Enforcement Center and met withTPD Citizens' Academy graduates to discuss the potential for forming an "alumni" association of Academy graduates. The purpose of the alumni group - to enhance the relationship between the TPD and the community, to encourage participation in future Citizens'
Academies, and to involve graduates in relevant continuing education opportunities related to law enforcement.
Chief Miller's idea took hold and by February 12 a group of Academy graduates met for the first time as an advisory board to begin making plans for a 501 (c) 3, tax exempt organization comprised of TPD Citizens' Academy graduates. TPD Volunteer Coordinator, Ben Clay, guided this process as the advisory board continued to meet on a regular basis.
During the next few months, the organization's name was selected - Citizens' Academy Ambassadors (CAA); mission statement, bylaws and code of conduct were drafted, an application for IRS tax-exempt status as a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation was submitted and approved, directors were selected, officers were elected, working committees were formed, and the Ambassadors were on their way!
CAA membership grew to 50 academy graduates over the course of 2009 and monthly membership meetings provided timely educational sessions related to law enforcement. Other CAA accomplishments in 2009: held a "Sale in the Park" fundraiser, raised funds through a partnership with Schwan's Foods as well as Heartland Park race track, coordinated TPD's and CAA's participation in National Night Out Against Crime, provided volunteers for the Cadet Capital Challenge (an Explorer Post 721 Cadets multi-state competitive event), assisted in the Citizens' Academy Fall graduation ceremonies and the Academy's Spring and Fall Fun Days; launched a web site, and assisted in the annual TPD's Thanksgiving Dinner.
CAA's successful fundraising efforts during 2009 allowed the Ambassadors to donate a new Kenmore refrigerator for the Law Enforcement Center Commons Area and new appliances for the TPD Records Department.
During the December 2009 member meeting/Christmas party at the Carousel in Gage Park, CAA members got in the spirit of the Holiday and brought Christmas gifts for teenagers, for distribution by the Salvaltion Army. Children and adults alike were treated to a ride on the beautiful Carousel. Ben Clay was honored for his invaluable efforts on behalf of the Ambassadros during 2009, by a proclamation by Topeka Mayor Bill Bunten, proclaiming December 17, 2009 as "Ben Clay" Day in Topeka. CAA President Harriet Lange recognized 2009 officers - Verlee Sanneman/secretary and Brenda Holliday/treasurer, for their service during 2009, as well as 2009 board members - Kathy Allen, Richard Allen, Carlene Becker, Howard Blackmon, Rhonda Cathey, Kathy Davis, Roger Elsbury, Shirley Jacobson, Eric Tolbert, and Angela Wilson.
It was a very good year for the Ambassadors! |
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