Published October 19 2016
Bellevue one of three agencies recognized by international organization
The Bellevue Police Department is receiving international recognition for its longstanding volunteer program. The International Association of Chiefs of Police selected the department as one of only three agencies in the world to receive the 2016 Outstanding Achievement in Law Enforcement Volunteer Program Award. Two other police departments, in Appleton, Wis., and Rocklin, Calif., were also recognized as winners.
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Bellevue department's volunteer program. Volunteers continue to be an integral part of the department, supporting programs and operations in every section. In 2015, Bellevue police volunteers served 7,505 hours for an estimated labor value equivalent of about $175,000 (using National Volunteer Hour Rate published by Independent Sector).
Police volunteer coordinator Marji Trachtman accepted the award with Chief Steve Mylett at the IACP International Conference in San Diego last week (expenses paid by IACP).
The Bellevue Police Department will hold its annual volunteer appreciation event Thursday at the Meydenbauer event center, room 407, noon-2 p.m.. Members of the media who would like to attend are requested to contact Police public information officer Seth Tyler. For more information on the department's volunteer program, please contact Marji Trachtman (425-452-6017).