The Garland Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (GCPAAA) recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of assisting the Garland Police Department and the community.
Mayor Scott LeMay honored the nonprofit 501(c)3 for its 30 years of service at the March 7 City Council meeting. Then, Monday, March 13, the group combined its monthly meeting with a celebration dinner to commemorate the milestone.
The group also installed the following 2023-2024 board of directors at the March meeting:
- Aimee Jenkins, Director
- Cathy Tison, Director
- Del Newberry, Director
- Katherine Willis, Director
- Madeline Willis, Director
- Melissa Coffman, Director
- Tom Little, Director
- Monica Doherty, President
- Gale Dunn, Vice President
- Melissa Garner, Secretary
- Jennifer Lewis, Treasurer
- Dorris Murdock, Sergeant at Arms
The GCPAAA has accumulated a long list of awards during its 30 years of service. The association has been named the Alumni Association of the Year multiple times. In addition, it has been recognized for donations to and sponsorships of charitable events. The GPD also honored GCPAAA with a Board and Members Recognition of Appreciation Award in 2017.
Some of the community events the group is involved in are Christmas on the Square, Star Spangled 4th, Motor Cops for Kids, Guns & Hoses Boxing Tournament and Golf Tournament.
Additionally, members assist GPD with its Community Residential Lockbox Program, Vacation Patrol Program and Handicapped Parking Enforcement.
The GCPAAA is a member of the Texas Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association and a part of North Texas CPAAA Region 2.
To be a member of GCPAAA, individuals must first complete the 13-week Garland Citizen Police Academy.
Email president@gcpaaa.com for more information.
About Citizen Police Academy: The Garland Citizen Police Academy is a 13-week program that focuses attention on the internal values, philosophy and operations of the Garland Police Department. Designed for citizens, the academy educates citizens about the “How’s and Why’s” of the department, and the citizen’s role in the interaction of citizens and police. Students are encouraged to share this realistic view of the department with other citizens to improve the efficiency of law enforcement in their neighborhoods through shared responsibilities and resources.