Donn Wyckoff, 61, is a lot like other people who volunteer in Blue Springs: aware that there is a need for help and the desire to give back to the community. As a member of the Blue Springs Volunteer for Blue Springs Volunteers in Police Service, Wyckoff, like many, has devoted himself to service.
As a volunteer, what do you do VIPS? When and how did you get started?
I was barber for over 30 years, mostly in Independence, Liberty. When I retired, I thought it was important for me to continue to keep active. I read the Blue Springs police chief’s newsletter and learned about VIPS and decided to apply. It was a long process, and I finally started in September of last year. I’ve worked as much as 74 hours in a three week period since starting.
My first assignment was to bring a seam ripper, which I thought was odd. We then ripped badges off old uniforms and sent them to Jefferson City, where they were then sent to departments with budget concerns. Since then, I’ve done so much. I’ve worked with detectives by copying their cases; I help with office work. Lately I’ve helped register people for Code RED, which is a great service for the city. I’ve worked the Santa Train, too, and while I do get paid to do it, I play Santa Hog at the Blue Springs Harley Davidson.
What made you want to volunteer for the police department?
It’s a way to help the police department. One of the things I learned was that by helping them out, officers can devote more time to cases and patrol. With four other volunteers, I help with the Smart Trailer, the machine that shows drivers how fast they’re driving. If we didn’t do it, it would take a lot of time for an officer to do it. Just being here a year I’ve come to realize all the work that police do, all that’s required of them.
How has volunteering changed you?
It has a lot. I was one of the volunteers who told people who were arriving for Municipal Court not to park in an adjacent lot because recently it was closed to the public. The towing costs were pretty steep, and people thanked us for letting them know about it. And just helping police out is very gratifying.
