Submitted by Bob Ross
Police Auxiliary Corps
January 28, 2016 10:30 a.m.
In recognition of the increasing number of special events hosted by the City of Fernandina, such as the Shrimp Fest, 5 K and 10 K runs, triathlons, as well as countless parades, festivals, bike rides, and car shows, Police Chief James Hurley called for volunteers in 2008 to form a Police Auxiliary Corps (PAC). Its purpose: to assist the Police Department in crowd and traffic control during such events. Many local event coordinators have since come to count on the PAC to ensure the safety of their participants and spectators.
The founding members of the PAC voted Steve Filkoff as its first Commander to coordinate its efforts with the Police Department, a position he still holds. Born in 1950 in Hartford, Connecticut, Steve retired and moved to Fernandina with his wife Arlene in 2004 following a 30 year career in computer programming.
In 2010, Steve became the oldest person to graduate from the City Florida Police Academy, following which he was appointed a Reserve Police Officer responsible for the operation of the PAC in Fernandina. Steve has ever since been the inspiration behind the growth and management of the PAC.
With an average of 50 plus members, Steve coordinates PAC support with event planners organizing, scheduling and overseeing member participation. Since inception, PAC volunteers have come to assist in about 100 events annually, volunteering an average of almost 2000 hours per year in support of community activities. Not included are the additional countless hours members spend assisting in traffic control at the local schools during the school year.
As Fernandina has grown, so too has the number of events supported by the city requiring PAC assistance. In order to meet the increasing requirements, Steve welcomes new volunteers to the PAC. Membership is quite easy. Time commitments are nominal and training and equipment is provided to participants. Anyone interested is invited to check out the PAC website at http://fb-pf.org/volunteer.html.
Steve has been a huge factor for the creation and continued success of the Police Auxiliary.
Thank you Steve.
Great job, thank you Steve!!
Steve….A great job done by a Nutmegger. Congratulations and keep up the good work. See you on the street.
Steve- I cannot thank you enough for all you do. As a former race director and officer of the Amelia Island Runners, I can honestly say how great you are to work with and your commitment to the community’s safety is second to none. Thank you!