New Association In Fairview Park

The Fairview Park Auxiliary Police Association is a fully established and accredited 501(c)3 whose mission is to provide auxiliary police officers with the proper equipment and training to better serve the residents of Fairview Park. Established in April of this year, FPAPA is guided by two auxiliary officers and two regular officers.

An auxiliary police officer is a non-commissioned volunteer who is sworn to uphold and enforce the laws and ordinances of the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Ohio, and the Charter of the City of Fairview Park. The charter allows for 24 volunteers, who do not have to be residents but simply individuals who want to help others. Many individuals seek this position to pursue the dream of becoming a law enforcement officer.

An Auxiliary Unit volunteer must drop whatever he or she is doing at a moment's notice to assist regular officers. When an auxiliary officer is sworn in, he receives two badges. The officer must then purchase the rest of his equipment, which can cost over $300.

The FPAPA allows for donations to help selfless individuals to perform their duties at community events such as Santa Patrol, Shop with a Cop, Touch-a-Truck, parades, and Fun Runs. Recent events include Lutheran West’s first annual Longhorn 5k Run/1 Mile Walk Stampede. Debi Albrecht stated that, “We are grateful for the police presence along our 5K course. Our student volunteers, as well as their parents, felt more comfortable knowing students weren't alone in the park or on less trafficked streets.”

In the last year, these officers have volunteered over 2,300 hours on details such as the ones mentioned above or more dangerous ones such as traffic control. The first priority of the FPAPA is to ensure that every officer has his own traffic vest and that the vest fits properly.

The association can also negotiate more beneficial price points and a partnership is currently being negotiated to purchase flashlights at a reduced price. With the weather changing to rain and snow, there is no better time than the present to purchase theses items. These flashlights, like the vests, are an essential part of directing traffic, which is an auxiliary officer’s most dangerous job. Officers are often called in during severe storms and multiple accidents to provide aid. Officers need to be prepared not only for the elements but also for the safe execution of their duties.

The FPAPA is a new organization looking for support from local businesses and individual donations to support the men and women who give their time. For more information, please visit our Facebook page and our website at facebook.com/FPAuxPA and FPAPA.org.