Safe Streets Coalition and Topeka City of Character will be holding a press conference on July 2, 2008 at 12:00 noon at the Great Overland Station to announce the recipient of the Champion of Character award for demonstrating character that significantly improves the health, safety and quality of life in the community. 

This month’s recipient of the Champion of Character Award is Patty Parr.

Patty Parr currently serves in a volunteer capacity as a Field Training Officer in the Topeka Police Department’s Volunteer Patrol Unit.  Parr has been with the program since its inception in 2005 and has been instrumental in its growth and development. 

“Patti possesses many admirable qualities, but her diligence toward the program, her initiative to take on new assignments and, perseverance in the face of difficulty has made her an invaluable volunteer”, stated Paige Ashley, Volunteer Coordinator with the Topeka Police Department.  For those reasons, Ashley nominated Parr for the award.

Parr devotes an average of 60 hours a month to the department in an administrative and patrol capacity.  She has spent numerous hours pouring through old case files, preparing them for disposal for the Scientific Investigation Unit and is beginning to do the same for the Criminal Investigation Department.  This work is very tedious, time consuming and requires a meticulous effort.

“Parr’s diligence to these tasks is greatly appreciated by the Topeka Police Department”, states Ashley.

Parr also spends many late night hours on the weekends patrolling neighborhoods.  She assists the police department with traffic and crowd control during parades, festivals, and fun runs.  She assists with Driver’s License Check Lanes, DUI Check lanes, Abandon Vehicle Checks, and any other duties required of her.  When out on patrol, she takes the initiative to request assignments and lend a hand where needed.

Parr was nominated for perseverance because of her continuing to volunteer in spite of a family health crisis.  Her grown son is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. 

“Patti has had to be a support person as both a mother and a grandmother, yet she perseveres”, stated Ashley.  “Through all this, she continues to arrive at the police department with a smile on her face, ready to work.”

“Parr volunteers, not for personal gain, but to improve the quality of life and safety for the Topeka community”, stated Cindy Patton, Executive Director for Topeka City of Character.  “I am amazed that she would devote that much time on a volunteer basis.  It’s our pleasure to recognize Patty Parr for her service by giving her Topeka’s City of Character Award.”