Premios al voluntariado comunitario

Most of us recall where we were and what we were doing on Sept. 11, 2001 as terrorists brought down the World Trade Center twin towers. But who could have foreseen on that terrible day the blessing for the people of Rancho Cordova those horrible events had spawned?

Thousands of miles from the dust and destruction, like many Americans, Bruce and Lori Smith were moved by what had happened and took it upon themselves to change the world they live in. In a time of uncertainty and need, they asked themselves, "What can we do to help?"

And that's where this story begins.

Soon after Sept. 11, Bruce and Lori heard of an opportunity to sit on a board of directors led by local law enforcement. The board had assembled in order to create policies and procedures to protect the greater Sacramento area in the event of a terrorist attack. Bruce and Lori both work in the medical field and were eager to share their insight and recommendations. Through this experience, Bruce and Lori were introduced to the world of law enforcement.

In 2002, this married couple decided to put themselves through the police academy, using their own money, to become volunteer reserve officers. They took this on in addition to their full-time day jobs: Bruce is a hospital director and Lori is a physical therapist.

After successfully completing the police academy, the couple began their volunteer service with the Rancho Cordova Police Department. Bruce and Lori are sworn police officers and can perform all duties of a police officer. However, one thing is distinctly different – they don't get paid for their service.

In addition to working their normal jobs, both still manage to volunteer 100 hours a month to help strengthen law enforcement relationships with community and develop a positive relationship with cops and kids in Rancho Cordova.