The City of Côte Saint-Luc is looking for new recruits for its unique and active volunteer Citizens on Patrol (vCOP) program and will hold an information session on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 7pm at City Hall, 5801 Cavendish Blvd. Registration is required. Visit CoteSaintLuc.org/vCOP to register for the information session.
The program trains volunteers to patrol the streets of Côte Saint-Luc in marked vans, on electric scooters, on foot and on bicycles. The volunteers notify local agencies about emergency and non-emergency situations. They serve as skilled observers throughout the community. Volunteer patrollers also help out at community events, deliver books to shut-ins and check on residential properties while homeowners are on vacation. They also assist Public Safety at major incidents (such as water main breaks, major fires, power outages and downed wires) to help secure perimeters.
Côte Saint-Luc was the first city in Quebec to implement this neighbourhood-watch-on-wheels program in 2006. Similar programs have been established in communities throughout Canada and the United States.
Prospective volunteers do not have to be Côte Saint-Luc residents, however they must be age 18 or older. Many are retirees who patrol on three hour shifts every week or two. Trainees will learn about first aid, Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and the use of Automated External Defibrillators, fire extinguishers, two-way radios and in patrol and surveillance techniques.
For more information visit CoteSaintLuc.org/vcop, call 514-485-6800 #5106, or send an e-mail to [email protected].
Quotations
“vCOP volunteers work alongside public security, police, fire and EMS services to add to Côte Saint-Luc’s substantial safety initiatives. Our program is an extraordinary way for citizens to give back to their community. We provide training and support to our members and they will gain new, unique experiences and wonderful camaraderie.”
- Glenn J. Nashen, Chairman
“Our vCOP patrollers help to increase safety in our city. We can always rely on vCOP to help out at events or emergency situations. We are so fortunate to have this amazing resource in Côte Saint-Luc.”
- Councillor Steven Erdelyi, the council member responsible for vCOP
