Read any issue of the Lakewood Observer and you’ll find many articles promoting races, runs, walks and community festivals. Add to that a calendar packed with high school sporting events in one of the region’s best stadiums and you have the recipe for an active, vibrant community.

What makes all these events safe and successful? It’s the Lakewood Auxiliary Police. They are the ones in the gray uniforms that we all see at the Lakewood Arts Festival, football games at the high school, Community Festival at Madison Park and many other community events throughout the year.

“Doc” John Rusnak is the Major of the Auxiliaries. They are under the direct command of the Lakewood Police Department and are supervised by Lt. Brian Joyce. According to Joyce, the force, originally established as part of Lakewood’s Civil Defense operation, was incorporated into the Lakewood Police Department in 1968.

Rusnak said “I am really proud of the service that we provide to Lakewood.” He added, “we are currently looking for more volunteers.”

Joyce indicates that the requirements for being considered are simple. “You must be 18 years old and we give a preference to Lakewood residents.” The reasons for volunteering can vary. Some just want to serve the community and enjoy this type of activity while others might combine this with law enforcement studies at local colleges. Along with the help at big events, many Auxiliaries ride along with regular police officers, serving as another set of eyes and ears.

Training includes firearm familiarization and general police procedures. A volunteer should expect to tally about 200 hours a year and attend monthly meetings. This is wrapped up with an annual awards banquet.

According to Joyce, there are currently 20 Auxiliaries. “We’re looking for 30,” he said.

If you are interested in this vital volunteer service to Lakewood stop in at the front desk of the police station and pick up an application.