Pasadena Volunteer Celebrates 30 Years Serving Police

Otis Triplett has spent 30 years helping the Pasadena Police Department, not because he had to, but because he chose to show up.

The department honored Triplett and dozens of other community volunteers at their annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Brookside Golf Course. Triplett, known by his call sign "854," was one of the original members of the Community Assisting Pasadena Police (CAPP) program when it launched three decades ago.

Chief of Police Gene Harris presented Triplett with a special award recognizing his leadership and dedication. Family members, friends, and fellow volunteers filled the room to celebrate alongside department personnel.

"Our volunteers serve an indispensable purpose for the department, supporting our officers and staff both in the field and at headquarters," Harris said. "They give their time not because they have to, but because they choose to serve, and we are truly grateful for their dedication."

The department's Volunteer Services Section brings together community members who assist in various ways. They help at special events and programs, support officers and staff with daily tasks, and build stronger connections between police and residents.

The Ripple Effect

When volunteers like Triplett show up year after year, they do more than complete tasks. They model what community partnership looks like in action.

Their presence helps officers focus on critical duties while volunteers handle essential support work. The relationships they build create trust between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve, making everyone safer.

The annual dinner gives the department a chance to pause and recognize the hours these community members contribute. Some volunteers have served for just one year, while others like Triplett have made it a decades-long commitment.

Each volunteer brings something valuable: their time, their care, and their belief that serving their community matters.