Published April 30 2013
A committed volunteer for the Bellevue Police Department, who provided extensive support for a program to improve parking for people with disabilities, has been awarded the Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.
Judi Miller received the award during a ceremony last week at the Governor's Mansion in Olympia. Miller has logged more than 1,700 volunteer hours with the Police Department since 2007, working at the Factoria Mall Police Substation where she staffs the front desk. She also helps organize community outreach activities and trains new volunteers.
In 2012, while doing a ride-along with her husband George, who was on his volunteer Parking Enforcement Patrol shift, she learned that many property owners don't maintain proper disabled parking signage, preventing violators from being ticketed.
Working with other volunteers and the city's Traffic Police Support Officer, Miller documented the improper signage and contacted property owners to educate them about disabled parking regulations. Her efforts contributed to several hundred properties in Bellevue being brought into compliance.
"Volunteers such as Judi provide an invaluable service to the community," said Police Chief Linda Pillo. "All Bellevue residents benefit from Jud's energy, consistently positive outlook and eagerness to help."
Miller's work builds on a longstanding tradition. Past Police Department volunteer recipients of the Governor's Award include Susan Allen, Shams Shamsuddin, Dean Snyder and Marlene Snyder.
The Washington State Commission for National and Volunteer Service presents the award annually to volunteers affiliated with a registered Citizen Corps Council or program, or who support emergency management or first responders. It recognizes outstanding volunteers who "effect real change in their communities through volunteer service."