NEWS RELEASE Contact: Chief Cynthia McAlister
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE cmcalister@purcellvilleva.gov
RECOGNIZING PPD VOLUNTEERS DURING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH
PURCELLVILLE, Va., Wednesday, April 12, 2023 — On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, the Purcellville Police Department and the Purcellville Town Council recognized the contributions of the Volunteers in Police Service members. Each year in April, the nation recognizes the efforts by volunteers to support their communities and interests as National Volunteer Month, and also National Volunteer Appreciation Week, occurring April 16th through April 23rd, 2023.
In 2018, the Purcellville Police Department launched the new Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. The VIPS Program is responsible for enhancing the mission, vision, and values of the Department; as well as the promotion of community involvement, awareness, and the promotion of public safety and all that it entails. The Purcellville Police Department has various positions for VIPS team members to fill including Customer Service Specialists, Homework Club Tutors, Police Chaplains, and much more.
Since the inception of VIPS, Department volunteers have contributed over 2,500 hours, equivalent to a monetary value of over $88,000. The Purcellville Police Department recognized the following volunteers for their contributions:
Chaplain Larry Brooks, volunteering since 2007, serving as the Department Chaplain and supporting Department and Town events each year. Chaplain Brooks received a Years of Service plaque for serving the community, Town Staff, and the Purcellville Police Department for 16 years.
Judi Lukens-Torian, volunteering since 2018 and contributing over 400 hours, serving first as the Volunteer Coordinator and transitioning to a position serving as support staff for Department events. Ms. Lukens-Torian was awarded a certificate of recognition for contributing 200+ hours to the community, Town Staff, and the Purcellville Police Department.
Christian Mekalainas, volunteering since 2019 and contributing over 500 hours, starting as a Capstone student from Loudoun Valley High School, Mr. Mekalainas transitioned to office support and Town and Department event support. Mr. Mekalainas also received a certificate of recognition for contributing 200+ hours to the community, Town Staff, and the Purcellville Police Department.
Caroline Ortiz, volunteering since 2022 and contributing over 150 hours, starting as a Capstone student from Woodgrove High School, Ms. Ortiz transitioned into office support staff and Department event support. Ms. Ortiz was awarded a certificate of recognition for her continued support to the community, Town Staff, and the Purcellville Police Department.
Please join us in thanking these generous volunteers for their support of the Purcellville Police Department and Town of Purcellville. For more information about the VIPS program, visit https://www.purcellvilleva.gov/859/Volunteers-in-Police-Service, and if you are interested in becoming a VIP, please email VIPS@purcellvilleva.gov.
The Town of Purcellville, Virginia
“Purcellville-your small Town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper,” is an award-winning town of approximately 10,000 residents located in Loudoun County, approximately 50 miles west of Washington, DC. Having received the 2021 Virginia Municipal League Innovation Award for Environmental Sustainability and in years past, the prestigious Siemens Sustainability Award for Small Communities, Purcellville continues to be honored for innovation and green initiatives. The Town most recently received the Tree City USA Award for the 14th consecutive year. The Town was reaffirmed as a AAA rated community by S&P Global Ratings, the highest credit rating possible, and was ranked “Safest City” in Virginia in 2020. Once a stop along the W&OD rail line, which has been converted to a multi-use trail from Alexandria, VA to Purcellville, the Town has maintained its historic old-town feel through the restoration and maintenance of its many downtown structures, reflecting the Victorian architecture popular during the early 1900s. Today, Purcellville is the economic hub of western Loudoun County and a popular weekend destination for antiquing, equestrian activities, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. More info at www.purcellvilleva.gov.
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