The Eden Reserve Police are still in existence today. That unit, commanded by
Captain Joseph E. Flynn, maintains one lieutenant, three sergeants and up to 18 patrol
officers. These volunteers provide a reservoir of manpower for crowd and traffic control,
special events, natural disasters and they supplement the paid police personnel in routine
dispatch and clerical duties. Our department is made more efficient by the help of
these citizens, who wish to experience police work through active involvement. This
Unit offers them the opportunity to become an integral part of the police organization in a volunteer capacity.
Reserve members are selected on the basis of their ability to complete the
training program and their availability for service throughout the year. We require
that Reserve members be available for a minimum of 8 hours each month, and that he or
she attend regular in-service training sessions.
Initial/basic training consists of dispatcher training. Once reserves
fulfill their duties on the desk, they may receive authorization to ride along
with the police officers. Those that qualify receive training in physical restraining
methods and self defense, proper search methods, and although they are not armed,
some are qualified in firearms training. Members are taught E.M.S., and most
recently they all received CPR and defibrillation training, as did the paid department.
The Reserves are an integral part of the Eden Police Service. Each year,
members of the group provide the citizens of Eden with more that 3000 hours of
volunteer work. Their efforts contribute to the harmony of life in our municipality.
Their group donates money to many charitable or community projects, helps sponsor
the D.A.R.E. graduation, provide a $500 scholarship yearly to a graduating senior,
and pays for the lighting of the American Flag at the Eden Town Hall. Also each year
they hold an annual Bike Rodeo in Eden and East Eden, to teach children about bike
safety. As ride-alongs in the car, they are an extra set of eyes and ears to assist
the officer on duty.
If you are interested in joining this unit, or wish additional information
regarding the program, please contact Captain Flynn or any other member of the
police department.
