CLEARLAKE ? Members of the Clearlake Police Department are up for adoption. The department is seeking sponsors for the fifth round in its Adopt-A-Cop police personnel trading card program.
The program is designed to strengthen community relations and provide an opportunity for citizens to learn more about the officers who serve them.
“The program is a large step in integrating the officers into the community and it makes the officers more approachable,” said Lt. Craig Clausen. “It personalizes the officers to where they are no longer just a uniform; they become actual members of the community. And the kids love the trading cards.”
The program includes the production of full-size posters featuring all sponsored personnel as well as the production of individual trading cards that include a biography and personal message from the adopted cop. The cards also include name, address and phone number of the business sponsoring the officer. Individuals are welcome to sponsor officers as well.
All sponsors will receive a poster, which they may display in their place of business if they so choose. The posters will include recognition and thanks to all sponsors participating in the Adopt-A-Cop trading card program.
Sherri Vannest, secretary to the chief of police, said that American Towing was the first sponsor to jump aboard this go-around. American Towing has adopted Det. Sgt. Tom Clements.
Amy Reyes, owner of Cactus Grill, adopted Officer Anthony Lopez in the last program production. Lopez recently retired and Reyes will be looking for a new cop to sponsor. She said she would like to participate in the program again because she sees importance in supporting efforts that benefit the children of the community.
“It”s a wonderful community program that recognizes the officers who serve and protect our citizens and the kids love the trading cards,” she said. “The cards are a fun way for children to see the positive side of law enforcement.”
Officer Ryan Peterson, who is currently seeking sponsorship for participation in the program, has been with the Clearlake Police Department for about a year.
He said he has witnessed firsthand the demand for the trading cards. “I have kids asking me all the time for stickers or cards,” he said. “Every time we go to the park or the youth center all the kids want one of those trading cards. I think that”s a real positive thing.”
Businesses and individuals interested in adopting a cop may do so with a donation of $121.70. Full payment in advance is required as all monies collected in the program go directly toward production costs. The department does not receive any portion of trading card program monies.
To adopt your very own cop, contact Sherri Vannest at the Clearlake Police Department, 994-8251, ext. 315. Personnel available for adoption include Chief Allan McClain, lieutenants Craig Clausen and Mike Hermann; sergeants Tim Celli, Brenda Crandall, Rodd Joseph and Brett Rhodes; Detective Martin Snyder; officers Todd Miller, Michael Ray, Timothy Hobbs, Dominic Ramirez, Shane Roth, Sarah Hardisty, Timothy Alvarado, Ryan Peterson, Michael Carpenter, Ian Kendall, Michael Hansen, Melissa Reed, Reghan Stuller, Raymond Brady and Carl Miller; Chaplain Larry Fanning; Investigator Carl Stein; dispatchers Loretta Krentz, Wendy England, Nicki Burrell, Sarah Correia and
Melissa Vago; chief”s secretary Sherri Vannest; Support Services Technician Victoria Estrella; code enforcement officers Janine Lowe and Lee Lambert; Administrative Investigator Nick Bennett; and Records/Communication Supervisor Nicole Newton.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her direct at 994-6444 ext. 11.
