Copperas Cove Citizens Fire and Public Safety Volunteers install new officers

By EMERALD BENTLEY

Cove Leader-Press

The Citizens Fire and Public Safety Volunteer Association of Copperas Cove met Tuesday evening to install their newly elected officers for the year.

The meeting room at the Copperas Cove Fire Department’s Central Station, recently dedicated to the CFPSVA last month, was full of current and new members as well as several guests. 

Police Chief Eddie Wilson, Captain Eric Watson, and Firefighter Paramedic Tanja Martin were invited to assist in the swearing in of the new officers.

“We usually try to get our officers installed in January,” said CFPSVA President James Stockman, “but there was just so much volunteer work going on that we are just now getting to it.”

The ceremony began with Chief Wilson swearing in James Stockman as the organizations President. Next, Captain Watson took his turn to swear in Kim Shepard as the Vice President, as well as Jerry Shepard as Treasurer. Firefighter Paramedic Martin ended the formal portion of the installation by swearing in DyVonuettea Wiley as Secretary. 

Once the officer installation was complete, Stockman took the time to recognize those members of that went above and beyond. 

The first award presented was the Outstanding Service Award. Members selected for this award were: Cathy Stockman, Kimberly Shepard, Jerry Shepard, Teddy Bruski, Priscilla Beauregard, and DyVonuettea Wiley. 

The Certificate of Excellence was the next award presented by Stockman. Those members in attendance recognized were Ron Swift, Alama Swift, Diana Ochoa, and Arnold Ochoa.

Lastly, Stockman presented awards for CFPSVA’s Volunteer Stars. Bonnie Henderson, Bonnie Copeland, and Bo Roldan were all recognized with this honor.

Each award winner was thanked for their “valued service and dedicated support” and received a certificate, commemorative pin, and lanyard. 

Before the formal portion of the meeting was over, Chief Wilson spoke on the valued support from CFPSVA.

“Your organization has been so valuable to us. You guys have been there for us for a really long time and have really stepped up for us in the past couple of years,” said Wilson.

Wilson thanked the members for their work in helping bring back the Citizens Police Academy, volunteer and fundraising events, and even feeding the local emergency crews.

“As much as you help us go, I know there is a backbone to your organization, the one person who keeps things organized and running,” claimed Chief Wilson as he presented Cathy Stockman, CFPSVA Event Coordinator, with a commemorative coin. 

“I think everybody, if they put their mind to it, can accomplish things. In the sixteen years this group has been going, I have tried to do that,” said Cathy Stockman. 

The night ended with a potluck style dinner where on staff emergency crews were invited to enjoy as well. 

The CFPSVA mission is “a support role whenever we are called upon,” states the proclamation. The group fulfils this mission by volunteering support for programs like R U OK, Citizens Police Academy, Meals on Wheels, as well as the annual Christmas dinner, and educational scholarships.

The CFPSVA has open membership enrollment and meets the fourth Monday of the month at the Central Fire Station EOC room.