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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Volunteers In Police Service
June 6, 2003

Sheriff Mike Brasfield has announced the creation of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office “Volunteers in Police Service” (VIPS) Program, as well as the appointment of a Volunteer Coordinator.

James Myers has agreed to serve as the Sheriff’s Volunteer Coordinator. Myers served with the Mercer Island Police Department for 26 years, retiring from that agency as a Detective Sergeant in 1991. He and his wife have owned property near Indian Island since 1988, and have made Jefferson County their home for over 12 years.

While with the Mercer Island Police Department, Jim was instrumental in many innovative crime prevention programs. The Crime Stoppers program that he initiated there was eventually adopted by many Puget Sound law enforcement agencies and became the Seattle/King County Crime Stoppers program.

During the early 1990’s Myers was employed by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to assist them in the installation of their enhanced 911 communications system. Most recently has assisted the 7 Cedars Casino with security issues.

Jim will be working with the most recent group of Citizen Police Academy graduates to match individual interests and skills with the needs of the Volunteer Program. Other individuals with special skills or training that have not attended the Citizen Police Academy will also be considered for volunteer positions. For further information, visit the Sheriff’s web site at www.jeffersonsheriff.org, the national “VIPS” web site at http://www.policevolunteers.org or contact Jim Myers at 360-385-3831 extension 553.