I feel that it is very important to be involved in the community to give back to others. As I mentioned previously, I have been involved in raising funds for the local DARE program through the BAD 24-Hour bike ride across the State of Arkansas.
For several years I was on the board of the YMCA and served as President. I saw many cases of positive impact that the YMCA had on the lives of those who otherwise could not afford to participate in exercise programs, childcare and youth sports. I know the impact the YMCA had on my life and I know I am not the only one that can say that. The picture below is from one of our Toast the Town fundraisers. This event honored individuals that had a significant impact on Jonesboro. This particular year the honoree was Governor Mike Beebe. My sister Joan is also pictured.
Prior to my time on the City Council, I served for several years on the board at Craighead County (Legacy Landfill). Over the past few years, I have served on the board of the JHS Athletic Booster Club and as treasurer for the Arkansas Juniors Storm Volleyball Club.
I am also a member of the Arkansas State Alumni Association and the Arkansas State Red Wolf Foundation.
Another way that I am involved in community service is as a reserve officer for the Jonesboro Police Department, I stated riding with JPD officers in February 2019 because I wanted to see firsthand the types of situations that they dealt with on a day in and day out basis. The more I rode the more I was impressed with the quality of officers that we have working for our city and I started developing a deeper respect for them. After a few months of riding, I made the decision that I did not want to just be a passenger in the car. I wanted to get out and help. Our police department is stretched thin due to the number of miles our officers must cover. My desire to want to help led to me going through reserve school from which I graduated in early November 2019. Since then, I have been a regular presence with the patrol division.
There are about 30 reserves for JPD who serve on a volunteer basis (that’s right we do not get paid for this) but are called to help our law enforcement officers who deserve to be supported by our community.
