Public safety officers volunteer many hours

As a public safety officer, I have had the opportunity to observe and work with the McMinnville Police Department. I have found them to be the most dedicated, hard-working, polite and cooperative group ever.

They risk all every day for the safety and well-being of the community. You can’t believe how fast they answer calls. This is due partly to a very efficient 911 emergency department.

The mayor, Chief Joe Melton, Capt. Bryan Denton, the patrolmen, detectives, headquarters office staff and the sheriff’s department have gone out of their way to cooperate with the public safety unit officers. Officer Mark Mara has done a great job as our training officer.

PSU officers (one of only two groups in the state) are a group 11 strong. It’s a volunteer group that donates time and effort every day to the city to assist and relieve the work load on the police officers so they can better do their jobs.

The PSU duties range from directing traffic, various escorts, stalled vehicles, assisting fire and medical personnel when needed, giving directions to motorists, patrolling the streets, parking lots, city parks and greenway, and providing support at headquarters. After all, the patrolmen can’t be everywhere at once.

Just this year, as of Nov. 30, the PSU officers have escorted 260 funerals, done 343 greenway patrols, made 143 other escorts, assisted 13 stalled motorists, helped at 119 traffic-control situations, among other things.

This adds up to a total of 2,452 volunteer hours this year to date.
Bob Molloy
North Spring Street
McMinnville