The agency has more than 100 volunteers who perform a variety of tasks that help the agency serve the community. Whether they work in an office or patrol area streets, their contributions are significant, said Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk. In terms of dollars and cents, Sheriff Rambosk estimated that CCSO's 72 civilian volunteers save the agency nearly $300,000 annually. The agency's 34 auxiliary deputies save CCSO another $324,000.
But the true value of the volunteers is much greater than what they contribute in cost savings, Sheriff Rambosk said.
"These are individuals who live by the principle of service to others before self," he said.
Among those honored at the luncheon were Auxiliary Deputy Michael V. Jones, who serves both as a pilot in the agency's Aviation Unit and as a road patrol deputy; and Community Observer Deputy Ken Robins, who works primarily in the North Naples district. Jones logged the greatest number of auxiliary deputy hours - 1,663.5. Robins logged the most hours among the community observer deputies, coming in at 963.85.
Sheriff Rambosk said he plans to create a volunteer advisory board to explore expanding the successful program. In the meantime, he encouraged anyone interested in becoming a CCSO volunteer to e-mail sheriff@colliersheriff.org or call 793-9212.
Ken Robins accepts his award from Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk.
Michael V. Jones accepts his award from Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk.
