Capt. Draper Recognized for Milestone 10,000 Volunteer Hours
More so than at any other time of the year, I reflect on things I am grateful for around
the holiday season. And each year, one of the many blessings I count is the
tremendous volunteer work performed by the Clarkstown Police Auxiliary Unit, a
volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of the quality of life in Clarkstown.
The organization’s primary function is to supplement the Clarkstown Police Department
in several key areas including the regulation of traffic, crowd control, protection of life
and property, and preservation of the peace. Members of the Auxiliary Police perform a
number of important duties in town.You’re most likely familiar with the assistance they
provide in assisting with traffic and crowd control at our community and school events.
While that is their most visible function, the Auxiliary officers do much more than what
most people see. They conduct residential house checks, assist with operation safe
shopper patrols in our commercial districts, and take part in Gate Night and Halloween
safety patrols. They are trained in CPR and the operation of Automated External
Defibrillator devices, along with other first aid and medical related skills.
The volunteer service of our Auxiliary members allows the town’s regular police force to
maintain regular patrol work and better respond to more urgent matters. Their service
also provides the regular police force with the flexibility to cover more events
simultaneously and has a significant impact on our taxpayers by reducing the need for
police overtime.
The Auxiliary officers are led and managed by a dedicated and professional auxiliary
police command staff. They maintain the professional standards of the unit staff and
coordinate details, conduct monthly meetings and coordinate annual in-service training.
In addition to the medical certifications listed earlier, regular training includes defensive
safety tactics, crime prevention, defensive driving, and traffic control.
And while the contributions of all the members of the Auxiliary force are greatly
appreciated, every year there is one member in particular whose service deserves a
special recognition. This year, that member is Auxiliary Police Captain Darryl Draper,
who has graciously volunteered his time and effort to the organization for the past 26
years. Draper began serving with the Clarkstown Auxiliary Police in 1998 as an Aux. P.O.
and over the years has risen through the ranks achieving his current position of Aux.
Captain in 2012. Captain Draper recently passed the milestone of serving over 10,000
hours in the department, a remarkable amount of time given selflessly in service to our
community. In addition to his volunteer time, Captain Draper’s leadership has been a
tremendous asset to the organization.Please join me in thanking Captain Draper for his
exemplary service and dedication to the Town of Clarkstown.
The Auxiliary is always looking for quality volunteers. If you or anyone you know are
interested in joining, please consider applying. Candidates must have a strong desire
for community service, be at least 21 years of age, reside in Clarkstown, have a NYS
Drivers License, have no criminal background, and must complete a physical exam at
an assigned medical agency. Anyone interested can start the process for appointment
by calling (845) 639-5887.
