Feature Index
PPVA Feature Member of the Month
Pat McCoy
PPVA Member
Feature Index
PPVA Feature Member of the Month
Pat McCoy
PPVA Member
I have to look back in the files to see exactly when I became a PPVA member as so much has been happening in my own life! I had previously been involved with the Greenbelt Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association but that organization gradually became inactive as other members lost interest. A former member of the GPCAAA told me that she was also a member of the PPVA and I went on a Park Watch Walk with her around Lake Artemisia. I wanted to do more helping with community policing, in addition to Neighborhood Watch, and felt frustrated now that the GPCAAA had become defunct.I also learned that one of the things that PPVA members can do is help with the Park Police horses. I’ve always been interested in horses but did not have previous opportunities to work with them and this opportunity intrigued me. This opportunity had to be postponed due to a variety of circumstances.
I’ve become a certified First Aid/CPR Instructor and have participated in re-certifying police officers when it’s time for them to renew their First Aid/CPR certificates. Through the PPVA, I’ve also taken a Defensive Driving course which has enabled me drive any county vehicle if it becomes necessary. I’ve had this opportunity as well while assisting with a few police in-service training days. Assisting with police in-service training is a lot of fun and a great learning experience, especially when it involves role-playing! I look forward to having this experience again whenever they ask me!
For the past four years I have been attending graduate school which, by necessity, had to cut into my volunteer time. Now I am preparing to graduate with a Master’s degree in Addiction Psychology and I’m looking forward to being able to do more with the PPVA. Who knows, maybe I’ll be able to use my degree here as well as in the working world!
Pat McCoy