Debbie Ray joined the Avondale Police Department to design, implement and manage the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. She has been the volunteer coordinator for the past 3 ½ years providing volunteer support to the overall law enforcement functions of the department. The Avondale Police Department VIPS program has received national recognition from the National Volunteers in Police Service organization for innovative and dynamic law enforcement programming implemented by an outstanding qualified corps of public safety volunteers. The Avondale Police Department presented Debbie with the “Outstanding Civilian Supervisor of the Year” award and was recently recognized by the City of Avondale Mayor and city council for her professional efforts and national recognition of the Avondale Police Department and City of Avondale. Debbie was appointed to the State of Arizona Citizen Corps Council by former governor of Arizona Janet Napolitano and represents VIPS coordinators and their VIPS programs statewide. Debbie earned her CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) certification and is currently the only public safety coordinator in Arizona to hold this prestigious international certification. Currently, Debbie is president for the local Association for Volunteer Administrators of Central Arizona (AVACA) promoting the professionalism in the field of Volunteer Engagement. In 2010, she was elected to the National AL!VE (Association of Leadership in Volunteer Engagement) board of directors and chairs the Fund Development workgroup. She has made volunteer engagement presentations for the Arizona State Citizen Corps Council/Arizona Emergency Services Association, State of Arizona VIPS Coordinators, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Association for Volunteer Administration of Central Arizona, Department of Economic Security, Arizona State Parks & Trails and the Pebble Creek “Giving Forward” organization. Debbie is a life time member of Girl Scouts of the USA, charter life time member of Association of Girl Scout Executives, member of AL!VE and AVACA, Girl Scouts of Arizona Cactus-Pines Alumni, and supports local animal welfare groups that promote and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. In her spare time she is an avid quilter and teaches sewing, knitting and quilting classes throughout the valley. In 2009-2010, Debbie was the Artist-in-Residence and sits on the Artists’ Advisory Council for The Artists’ Studio at The Farm at South Mountain.

Signed,
Margie Coggins