Software Programmer by Day, Lone Tree PD Volunteer by Heart
In the bustling Lone Tree Police Department, amidst the uniformed officers and diligent staff, there exists a group of unsung heroes who play a vital role in safeguarding the community. This is where you’ll meet Ryan de Leon, a passionate software developer by day, and in his spare time, a dedicated Volunteer In Police Services (VIPS) who loves serving the Lone Tree community.
Occasionally, Ryan finds himself sorting through a pile of fan mail addressed to the Lone Tree Police Department. He chuckles as he reads a heartfelt letter from a local family, thanking the department for ensuring the safety of their home and property during a vacation. Although appreciative of the kind words, Ryan is eager to move beyond the desk to get to work on patrol as a VIPS.
“I would rather not be in front of a computer,” de Leon laughs to himself. “This is what I do for my day job!”
Building Trust, Serving the Community
The approachability of VIPS has earned them a reputation for being friendly faces, waving to citizens as they pass by, fostering trust, and strengthening community bonds. Ryan’s favorite place to be, however, is inside the patrol car.
“That’s where I can find things and look at things,” he says with a smile. “We’re the eyes and the ears of the department.”
As a VIPS, de Leon helps conduct neighborhood watches, putting residents’ minds’ at ease while out of town. A typical house check will see Ryan visit a home, ensure all doors are secure, and nothing is out of place. de Leon says he’s benefited from the service as well, as his fellow VIPS have conducted home checks for him while away on business or vacation.
“It adds that peace of mind,” says de Leon. “Knowing that someone is checking the house every day.”
On The Road, Supporting Officers
VIPS also support LTPD officers with vehicle accidents and other minor emergencies. Their contributions, like helping with traffic control, allow officers to return to their duties more swiftly, making a significant impact on the efficiency of the department.
“It’s incredible the things that they do for us, and it’s extremely beneficial,” says Lone Tree Police Officer Lindsay Sullivan, who praised de Leon for a quick response to a traffic accident.
Other VIPS echo the sentiment. “It’s an awesome program,” says VIPS Lucero Cuevas. “It’s a great way to go out and help out the community.”
Ryan’s Historic Volunteer Milestone
Over the past 13 years, Ryan de Leon has dedicated ten to 20 hours per week as a VIPS, accumulating an impressive number of service hours. To date, Ryan has racked up an incredible 10,000 hours of volunteer hours as a VIPS. Ryan is the first volunteer to his 10,000 hours in volunteer hours with the Lone Tree Police Department.
Ryan is just one of many volunteers who exemplify the true spirit of service in Lone Tree’s Volunteer In Police Services program. Their unwavering commitment to protecting the community makes them the unsung heroes, working diligently behind the scenes to create a safer and better environment for all residents.
While Ryan does not consider himself an expert, he does know that those hours have helped mold an effective community servant and VIPS.
“It’s the consistency, seeing the number of incidents…I know that’s keeping us safe our on the street.
So, the next time you encounter a VIPS, take a moment to acknowledge their efforts. A simple wave or a word of appreciation can go a long way in recognizing the invaluable contributions of these unsung heroes who continuously strive to make Lone Tree a better place for everyone.
Want to learn more about the Volunteer in Police Services program? Head to our website at go.cityoflonetree.com/LoneTreeVIPS