CGPD honors reserve officer

• Capt. Ron MacCarthy

Cottage Grove Director of Public Safety Craig Woolery (left) presents Police Reserve Capt. Ron MacCarthy with a plaque of appreciation for seven years of service. MacCarthy resigned in December 2008. (Submitted photo)

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Cottage Grove public safety director Craig Woolery last month honored Cottage Grove Police Reserve Capt. Ron MacCarthy for seven years of service after MacCarthy resigned from the department in December 2008.

MacCarthy volunteered nearly 1,000 hours of service since he joined the department in May 2008, Woolery said, and coordinated reserve officer security at a number of city events and parades.

Before joining the Cottage Grove Police Department as a volunteer, MacCarthy served the Grand Forks, ND, department, retiring as a captain.

Cottage Grove Police are authorized for 20 reserve officers. The volunteer officers are critical to the department’s operation, Woolery said, participating in city events like Strawberry Fest, the Halloween Parade, Holiday Train and Fourth of July fireworks. Reserve officers also assist in securing crime scenes, prisoner transportation and patrolling parks.

Interested in becoming a reserve officer? Applicants must be at least 18-years-old and are required to pass a criminal background check. Once in the department, reserve officers must attend monthly training sessions, participate in major Cottage Grove events and perform at least one patrol shift with another reserve officer or full-time officer every three months.

Tags: cottage grove, police reserves, police