3 1 2014stsn p39 40 opinion

Opinion

www.SanTanSun.com

March 1 – 14, 2014

39

Community Commentary

Chandler Police Explorer Tactical Competition draws large crowd

BY COUNCILWOMAN TRINITY DONOVAN

The Chandler Police Department recently hosted its 16th annual Police Explorer Tactical Competition.

The event is one of the few consistently held tactical-based Councilwoman Trinity competitions in Donovan. Submitted the country where photo participants have an opportunity to train and demonstrate their skills. The Explorer Program is open to young people ages 14 to 20 who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

I had an opportunity to attend the competition this year and witnessed a lot of action and excitement. Each year the competition grows bigger and better. This year, more than 1,000 guests and volunteers came out to participate.

There were 24 planned activities with more than 150 trophies given to winning participants. One of the top honors was the “Carlos Ledesma Team Spirit Award,” which was presented to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post. This award was named to honor fallen Chandler Police Officer Carlos Ledesma, who was killed in the line of duty during an undercover operation in 2010. The award was said to be appropriately named because Carlos always helped with the competition and was described as a dedicated person with a strong spirit and great work ethic. The winning team had to display those same qualities.

Some of the competition activities included a pistol shoot, marijuana field raid, downed officer rescue, five-man hostage rescue, crisis negotiations,

obstacle course, and this year, a new robot explosive ordinance was added to the mix. While many of the exercises provided tactical operation training for those interested in future careers in law enforcement, many of the activities promoted team building and problemsolving techniques.

More than 58 agencies took part in the event with teams traveling across the state of Arizona as well as California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada and Minnesota.

It was great to see all of the visitors to Chandler, many of whom traveled long distances to be a part of the event. I also enjoyed seeing a number of police officers and other adults working alongside these young people to mentor and guide them during the various activities.

It was quite evident that this competition involved a lot of hard work and preparation. I commend the Police Explorers, officers, staff and other volunteers for their efforts to make this a successful event.

Although this is one of the largest Explorer events of the year, there are many other community service projects and assignments in which these young adults participate. Explorers receive extensive training and have an opportunity to earn community service hours in a number of different areas. Many hours are spent providing assistance and support to police staff and the Chandler community. So, the program provides our youth an opportunity to receive work experience while learning essential life skills for their future.

To learn more about the Explorer Program and how to get involved visit: www.chandlerpdexplorers.com or contact Officer John Somerville at (480) 782-4951 or through email at john.somerville@ chandleraz.gov.

Volunteer award breakfast fun and memorable

BY COUNCILMAN KEVIN HARTKE

The City of Chandler, in partnership with the Chandler Non-Profit Coalition and For Our City— Councilman Kevin Chandler, Hartke. Submitted recently photo hosted its annual Volunteer Award Recognition Breakfast. The initiative aims at celebrating the importance and benefits of volunteerism in our community and recognizing the outstanding contributions of

selected individuals.

The event was launched in 2012 as part of the City’s Centennial challenge to encourage all residents to contribute a minimum of 100 hours of service that year. Not only did the program succeed in motivating residents to volunteer, but it was also beneficial to the participating agencies. In fact, faith-based, nonprofit and even business organizations were asked to monitor and report volunteer hours and were in turn recognized for their participation and support.

The enthusiasm from all parties involved led to the establishment of an annual initiative.

The 2013 program still included an acknowledgement of those SEE COMMUNITY COMMENTARY PAGE 40

Letters to the editor

Thank you to the SanTan Sun News In this day in age, most people only take the time to unfortunately complain.

I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know how much I enjoy and look forward to reading your publication every two weeks.

I have been living in Chandler Arizona for almost nine years. Since my husband and I moved here, your newspaper has provided us with news,

activities and contact information for Chandler and all the surrounding cities near us. I especially enjoy the listing of garage sales and festivities in each city in the East Valley, as well as the articles regarding new restaurant openings and the reviews.

Your newspaper keeps me in the loop to what is happening around me.

Thank you for not only continuing to print SanTan Sun News, but for delivering it to my home and having it available at various commercial and retail facilities, such as my health club.

Regards, Angie Valentini Pecos Ranch SEE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PAGE 40

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March 1 – 14, 2014

SEE COMMUNITY COMMENTARY PAGE 39

who have served at least 100 hours of service, but we added the “1,000 Hour Club” and six individuals received special honors under this category. Sofio Delgado, Lori Dayton, Carmen Olmedo, Dave Schalu, Caryn Shoemaker and Jerry Mooers each volunteered the equivalent of approximately six pro-bono parttime jobs. They provided services that would not otherwise have been available at the Chandler Christian Community Center, Chandler Police Department, Clothes Cabin and ICAN. An added component of the award recognition program was the inclusion of distinctive award categories to highlight unique characteristics of volunteers. Creative titles, such as the Multitasking Maestro, Sunbeam and Strong Arms Awards, were developed to spark interest in the community and make the event more fun and memorable.

A total of 51 individuals were nominated for the awards. While each one deserves to be recognized, I would like to briefly introduce a few of the award winners.

At the age of 14, Vinnie Holmquist was selected as the 2013 Inspiration Award winner. Despite his health challenges, Vinnie has held a leadership role with the Boy Scout Troop 280, organizing community youth volunteer initiatives and

Opinion monthly events for the troop. He has also been active with the Chandler Food Bank, IHELP ministry for homeless people at Sun Valley Church and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Vinnie is an amazing source of inspiration to all those who know and work with him.

Ernesto Sidi was the recipient of the Innovation Award for his fundraising efforts benefiting the House of Refuge. As a direct result of his work, the organization raised $15,000 last year. Ernesto started raising funds with a simple coin donation box on his office desk and continually developed new ways to motivate coworkers to donate and raise money. From developing incentives for raffles to encouraging acquaintances to take advantage of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credits, Ernesto has earned great respect at the House of Refuge.

Brian Walsh was another winner.

He earned the Mayor’s Choice Award for his contributions to the homeless community. His claim to fame is his dedication to provide breakfast to the homeless every weekend at a downtown park. He has also helped locate resources and services to serve the homeless community.

As we recognize these outstanding individuals, we are reminded of the incredible work that is done behind the scenes throughout our community.

Hundreds of volunteers give of themselves each day to support various organizations. Most of them shy away from recognition yet they provide invaluable services—and we are most thankful for their dedication.

For the complete list of award winners and further information about the volunteer recognition program and current volunteer opportunities in Chandler, visit the For Our City Web site at www.forourcity.org or call Niki Tapia at (480) 782-2214. We are already looking for the top volunteers of 2014 and will celebrate them in the early part of 2015. If you aware of amazing volunteers who serve tirelessly and creatively in our community, you will have the opportunity, later this year, to submit their names to be recognized at our 2015 Volunteer Recognition Celebration.

Have a story idea or news tip? Know of an interesting photo opportunity? How about positive feedback or constructive comments? We’d like to hear from you. Email us at News@SanTanSun.com.

www.SanTanSun.com SEE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PAGE 39

Where’s info on governor candidates?

There are quite a number of candidates running for governor. I looked into each candidate because I’m concerned about the state I live in. I couldn’t find anything on a lot of the candidates.

Molina: We’re to use our local resources to increase jobs. We don’t have any local resources. Also, he wants change. What change is he wanting?

Melvin: If we have big enough ideas, we can do anything. Nothing solid there.

I wrote to a Ms. Jones and still haven’t heard back.

Riggs was ousted out as congressman in California so why would we want him as governor?

Smith: Joined forces with the Clinton Global Initiative which embraces: We can’t grow our own food, tells us how many children we can have and what food we can eat.

Thomas has been the subject of an ongoing FBI investigation regarding abuse of power and unethical behavior.

Mealer: His initiative is on his website and has a solid campaign foundation. He talked to me as a person of his peers. He has concrete plans for Arizona as well as who is in his corner to make things happen.

He encourages people to call him.

Gloria Hass