Date of Release: June 5, 2007

Time of Release: 10:30 a.m.

The Orlando Police Department is fortunate to have a number of outstanding volunteers. One of these volunteers, Dick Stipe, has been donating his time and energy to the department since 1994. Mr. Stipe has logged over 12,000 hours.

On May 9, 2007 Dick Stipe was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Mr. Stipe greeted President Bush when he arrived in Orlando. At this meeting President Bush presented Mr. Stipe with his award in recognition of his outstanding service to the Orlando Police Department.

Mr. Stipe has also been recognized by the City of Orlando and the Orlando Police Department with the Jefferson Award and the Citizen’s Longevity Award for his outstanding volunteer efforts. On June 1, 2007 Mr. Stipe was recognized as a Hometown Hero at a special presentation on WESH Channel 2.

Dick Stipe spends many of his volunteer hours working at the gun range helping to train new officers and testing officers and equipment. Mr. Stipe also provides administrative assistance for various other divisions of the Orlando Police Department including Volunteer Services, Citizens Police Academy and Special Events.