Letters appearing in the Kalamazoo Gazette on June 16, 2009

Grateful for article on police reserve volunteers

I appreciated the sensitive and informative article “Dedication drives reserve deputies,” which appeared April 13 in the Gazette.

As a 70-year-old, volunteer police psychologist and uniformed reserve deputy with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office I am most grateful for any positive recognition offered publicly for the men and women in law enforcement.

It’s a difficult career that few can do, but one which many are quick to criticize when something unfortunate happens.

The day following the article I happened to visit Capt. Rick Green’s office. He is in the reserve division’s liaison office and he said his telephone had been ringing all morning with inquiries from persons wanting more information on how to become part of this unique and valuable volunteer service.

Hopefully, some will follow through and complete the 120-plus hour formal training spread over 17 weeks. It will be offered again in January 2010. Thanks to the Gazette for helping us “protect and serve” our community.

Bill “Doc” Birch
Kalamazoo