Florence, Ariz. – On December 18, 2009 the Pinal County COP Volunteers presented $250 worth of toys to Sheriff Paul Babeu to be donated to the Sheriff’s Office Annual Toy Drive.

 

The COP Program, led by Mrs. Pat Prince of Gold Canyon, assists the Sheriff’s Office and their communities through regular patrols reporting "suspicious" activity and notifying the Sheriff’s Office. COP Volunteers do not take enforcement action, they only observe and report. COP Volunteers have established bonds with Sheriff’s Office Staff and have the ability to communicate directly with them by radio.

 

Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “Our COP, Managed by Pat Prince of Gold Canyon, has done a fantastic job and the service they provide is invaluable.  With donations down over 60% the help COP has provided will go a long way to assist us in helping Pinal County children”, said Sheriff Paul Babeu.

 

COP not only patrols their communities but they also participate in safety fairs and fundraising events. COP is not a program supported by the Sheriff’s Office budget; they are fully self- supported. The Sheriff’s Office provides the volunteers with vehicles and fuel but they pay for their equipment and uniforms through fundraising.

 

In November, Pinal County COP raised over $3800.00 through a joint Art Fair hosted by Sabine’s Fine Art Festivals with support from the Sheriff’s Office and Bashas Supermarket in Gold Canyon. They are currently planning on hosting another fine art show in March at the same location.

 

“The work these volunteers do is invaluable. They take their time to raise money to support a program that continually helps and supports our Sheriff’s Office and our communities.  The assistance they have provided this holiday season will bring smiles to the faces of many Pinal County children,” said Lt. Tamatha Villar.