Transit Police Praise Volunteers

Transit Police at the Olympic Cauldron with a VANOC volunteer

 
Much has been reported on the elaborate security operations for the Vancouver 2010 Games and police offices have been working tirelessly to meet the extra demands. But with the extraordinary effort comes special rewards for many police officers who have an opportunity to interact with people in an unusually positive environment.

The story of Transit Police Sgt. Tom Seaman and his encounter with an Olympic volunteer is one example of the tremendous joy police officers are experiencing as they work at relationship policing on the front lines as part of the massive Olympic security effort.

While on patrol on the Canada Line skytrain Wednesday, Sgt. Seaman made an effort to engage with the passengers riding into town from YVR. One person he met was a Vanoc volunteer heading to his post.

During a friendly conversation with the volunteer, Sgt. Seaman learned the man was from Vancouver, Washington. Sgt. Seaman expressed his appreciation to the volunteer, noting that Vanoc volunteers have been assisting Transit Police in their duties during the Games.

This particular volunteer expressed his enthusiasm for his involvement with the Olympics and went so far as to follow up later with a personal email to Sgt. Seaman, relating his personal story about how he became involved as a Vanoc volunteer.

“Many of us as police officers involved in this huge effort feel especially privileged to be able to meet so many people – all of whom are so positive and in such high spirits,” Sgt. Seaman said.

“So many police officers are working long hours, often in huge crowds or at lonely posts. But our spirits have been constantly lifted these past days as we encounter smiling people – volunteers, locals enjoying the partying atmosphere and gracious international guests. This whole experience is a great lesson in relationship policing.”

Sgt. Seaman said stories, like the one of his encounter with Dwight Anunciado, represent the memories all police officers will long cherish after serving on duty during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

Dwight "Ike" Anunciado’s heart-warming story follows.

Mr. Anunciado’s email to Sgt. Seaman

Hi Tom,
As promised, I am sending you my story of how and why I chose to volunteer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

I have always been a fan of the Olympic Games. The whole idea that nations can come together in unity and peace to compete against eac other is truly amazing. I love it!

Following the Beijing Olympics, I made it my goal to volunteer for the 2010 Games. To be able to participate in a tangible way to the success of an Olympic Games for me is a once in a life time experience. With the Olympics being so close to my home town of Vancouver Washington USA, there was no way that I was going to miss out on this opportunity!

Since I own 360 Physical Therapy (An outpatient clinic), this goal ended up to be quite formidable. In the early days of my clinic (circa 2006), I was the only physical therapist caring for and bringing in revenue. In order for me to take this amount of time off, I needed to ensure that I assemble a team that could continue providing excellent physical therapy care and bring in revenue with out me. It’s taken nearly 4 years, but through hard work and dedication 360 Physical Therapy (www.360-pt.com) can now do just this!!! By hiring key staff positions (3 Associate Physical Therapists, 1 Billing Office Manager, and 1 Rehabilitation Aide) 360 Physical Therapy can now continue to care for our clients without skipping a beat!!! This has given me the confidence to be able to accomplish my dream of volunteering for my neighbour to the north's Olympic Games.

What a privilege and honour it is for me to devote my time up here to make your Olympic Games the best ever!!!

It has only been two full days of helping out, but already I have notice that the Citizens of BC and Canada in general are the some of the most hospitable and kindest people on the globe. Thank you Canada for making my time here so enjoyable!

With a Glowing Heart,

Dwight "Ike" Anunciado



Sgt. Tom Seaman
Transit Police Media Relations
604 512 4734