LYNNWOOD — Fifteen years ago, Elaine Clemensen took the Citizens Academy class offered by the Lynnwood Police Department. That turned into a volunteering gig that’s still going strong.
Clemensen, 79 and a Boeing retiree, lives in Lynnwood. Her son and daughter-in-law are retired King County sheriff’s deputies.
At least two days a month, Clemensen stops by the Lynnwood police station. She helps deliver inter-office mail, does administrative work and checks on houses where people are on vacation. Homeowners sign up for the free service to combat and prevent burglaries.
For the vacation house checks, volunteers work in partners, and stay in constant communication with 911, she said. She likes seeing the different neighborhoods and yards and talking to people — getting ideas for her own yard — along the way.
“It’s a good social group and the leadership is really good,” she said. “It’s a lot of training, too.”
The volunteers help out at special events, such as Shop With A Cop during the holidays, and they sometimes get to be “actors” in training exercises, Clemensen said. They keep an eye out for parking violations, too.
More than two dozen volunteers help with vacation house checks, said Lisa Wellington, a police department staffer who helps organize the volunteer corps.
Clemensen is grounded, even-keeled, Wellington said. She’s so experienced that she helps train others.
“I can just always count on her to be dependable and have a good humor and be relaxed and professional,” Wellington said. “She’s just a pleasure to work with.”
Volunteers are required to go through the Citizens Academy. Either way, the free class is a good way for people to decide if they’re interested in getting more involved, Clemensen said.
The next class starts Jan. 7 and runs Thursday evenings for several months. More volunteers are needed in Lynnwood, with specialty groups for different ages and skills. For more information, call 425-670-5635.
“We just drive around the community so our presence is seen,” Clemensen said. “We check the parks and if it’s nice weather, we get out and walk the parks. We park at the school, or the crosswalk, and just make sure everything’s all right there.”
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
