Supporting our community in many ways
by Charmagne O’Day
In 2011, when Sharon and Michael Broggie relocated to Prescott from Southern California, they became the first married couple to volunteer for the Prescott Police Department’s Citizens On Patrol unit.
At that time, the department did not have a nonprofit foundation that could help support its mission of community service. The Broggies took on the responsibility to establish a foundation. After two years, and with the support of the chief of Prescott Police, the foundation was incorporated.
Among the many programs the foundation supports is the K-9 Unit, along with special events and equipment related to the unit’s mission. It also provides financial support for the Prescott Police Explorer Post, which provides young people the opportunity to learn skills that may lead to a career in law enforcement.
Another program is Citizens On Patrol. This all-volunteer unit provides thousands of hours yearly, performing duties such as traffic control at accident scenes, special events staffing, enforcement of handicap parking and patrol of homes when the owner is on vacation. Patrolling homes is a free service open to city residents for up to 30 days each year, and it includes walk-around surveillance. Owners can contact the Prescott Police Department at 928-778-1444, request a property watch and provide information. The department suggests residents contact police a few weeks before their planned date of departure.
Another initiative of the foundation is providing annual support for the Role Model Scholarship Program at Prescott High School. These scholarships award students who act as role models for middle school students. The program helps youth in their transition to high school, and the participants coach students on avoidance of drugs and alcohol and other negative behavior.
A new program, introduced by Chief of Police Debora Black, is the Citizen Police Academy, which had its initial session in May. Members of the community were introduced to various policing operations within the department. Plans are to offer this program on a regular basis, so residents may understand the many duties and challenges of being a police professional. Announcement of future sessions will be published in the Daily Courier newspaper.
To support its many activities, the foundation annually holds fundraising initiatives and events. This year, the foundation approached the owners of Mortimer Farms, a locally owned nursery and farming enterprise. Owner Charlotte Mortimer agreed to provide $2,000 worth of assorted meats including turkey, chicken, pork and beef. The foundation purchased a small freezer to store the meat. The prize will be awarded to the holder of the winning raffle ticket. Tickets are $10 each, three for $25 or 10 tickets for $75, which provides a 25 percent discount. Tickets are available at Mortimer Farms Nursery, 3166 Willow Lake Road, at Mortimer Farms in Dewey, and in the lobby of the Prescott Police Department at 222 S. Marina St.
Foundation CEO Michael Broggie said there are only 1,000 tickets available, and the drawing will be held before Thanksgiving, since a turkey is one of the prizes.
Purchase of tickets is tax-deductable as a donation to the foundation.
Members of the Foundation board of directors include Dan Barkwill, Jim McInerny, Carol Nelson and Sharon Broggie. The board is seeking volunteer candidates, who may wish to become involved in the organization. Additional information is available at 928-778-1850.
Contact: Michael Broggie
805-509-1280 • michaelbroggie@outlook.com
