Community Outreach Programs:

The PPOA is more than just a labor organization representing the men and women of the Paradise Police Department. It is an organization that care about the community that we call the Town of Paradise. As such, we are involved in various Community Outreach Programs, such as:

 

Youth Group Support:

           In memory of one of our Police Officers, Renee Mariluch, who died of complications from cancer, the Paradise POA established the Mariluch Fund. From the contributions made to the fund on a monthly basis by the members, the Paradise POA donates to organized youth development and sporting events.

      The members of the Paradise POA review requests and determine the level of monetary support to be given. In the past they have made donations to the Paradise High School outdoor track project, funded a team on both the Paradise Little League North and South teams, as well as supporting soccer teams for several years.

      The Paradise POA will also sponsor individuals involved in sporting event tournaments. There have also been donations to the Boy Scouts for Eagle Scout Projects, and leadership development conferences.

      Donations have also been made to the Police Officers “Wish Upon A Star” program which provides a wish to a terminally ill child in a law enforcement family.

      The Paradise POA has sent donations to the Paradise Park & Recreation for events like the Halloween Party and Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Paradise Chamber of Commerce.

Shop with a Cop:

      The Paradise POA has been hosting the Shop With A Cop event for the last 26 years. This event is held in conjunction with the Paradise K-Mart and the Salvation Army. Children are nominated by their local teachers based on need and scholastic ability and by the Salvation Army. This event is hosted with the help of community donations.

      The children are greeted with a pancake breakfast at K-Mart. Each child is then given a dollar amount to use to shop for Christmas Presents for their family members. The Officers, Dispatchers, Administration, and Volunteers work with the children at K-Mart to help them find everything on their list, and within their budget. Because of the community support, we were able to host 65 children for shopping this year.

      After shopping, the children and their families are hosted to a free movie at the Paradise Cinema, owned by Scott Lotter. Scott also allows the POA to take over the front lobby to wrap and organize the gifts for the children to take home. This could not be accomplished without the assistance of numerous “Santa’s Helpers” – the Paradise High School Cheerleaders. These young ladies and their advisers/coaches, assist with this project every year.

      After the movie, the smiles, thank you’s and good Christmas spirit are felt in abundance. If you know of a family who would benefit from this special event, please notify the Salvation Army or contact them for an application.

Community Service:

      The members of the Paradise POA recognize the need for community service. Other Community Service events include the Boys & Girls Club recognitions dinner which the Paradise POA helps to sponsor.

      The members of the Paradise POA also participate in Gold Nugget Days and Johnny Appleseed Days – both on and off duty.

Chocolate Festival

      Paradise POA has helped to support the Paradise Chocolate Festival each year since its inception. This event helps to benefit the local Boys & Girls Clubs. Started by local chocolatier, and retired Lieutenant of the Police Department, Bill Hartley, this Festival has become a local phenomenon, attended by several thousand people each year.

      We are happy to partner with the local community for this event with our display and information booth. Come by and see us in 2010!!!

American Cancer Society Relay for Life

      The PPOA has been involved in the Relay for Life for the last three years. Last year was especially meaningful for the PPOA members – they were walking to support two of their own. One officer was undergoing cancer treatment at the time of the walk, as well as one of our volunteers. The PPOA raised approximately $3500 for cancer research during this walk.

      The PPOA is again hosting a team and gladly accepts donations at any time.

VIPS -Volunteers in Police Services:

      While the VIPS - or Volunteers in Police Services is a program of the Town of Paradise Police Department, the PPOA works with the VIPS on many community service projects. The VIPS also assist the Department in several ways by providing extra patrol for vacationing citizens, conducting some welfare checks, picking up found property, obtaining current business contact information, assist with record-keeping functions, and working with citizens who visit the department.

      The VIPS are a great asset to the Police Department and the Paradise POA. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the Department for an application.