The Buckhannon Police Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) program is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a meet and greet and a membership drive, and they are inviting the community to join in marking this milestone.

The event will take place on October 23, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Buckhannon Public Safety Complex at 24 South Florida St, Buckhannon, WV. Informational displays will be available in the training room, offering visitors the chance to meet current VIPS members and learn about the training and services offered by the group.

A highlight of the evening will occur at 7 p.m., when Chief Matt Gregory and Lieutenant Doug Loudin will honor the two remaining active founding members, VIPS Coordinator Steve Wykoff and VIPS Volunteer David Rowan.

Back in 2014, Gregory envisioned a volunteer group within the city police department to assist officers with public relations. He collaborated with Wykoff, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) coordinator at the time, to bring this vision to life. Following these discussions, the VIPS program was established. A grant was secured to provide initial uniforms and equipment, and the first meeting was held on October 22, 2014, with five founding members, including Rowan and Wykoff, who remain active today.

Over the past decade, VIPS has expanded its role, going beyond the original vision. While continuing its public relations and outreach efforts, the program now assists with traffic and crowd management, education and presentations, emergency response and general security.

Over 50 community members have participated in the program over the last 10 years, donating nearly 18,000 hours of volunteer service during this time. Today, the program boasts 11 active members.

The VIPS program remains robust and looks forward to many more years of service to the City of Buckhannon and its community. Those interested in learning more about the VIPS program can email vips@buckhannonpolice.com or call VIPS Coordinator Steve Wykoff at (304) 838-3443.