Sharon Abney knew she was volunteering for a SWAT practice activity with James City County Police, but she did not know she would be slammed to the ground 12 times as part of the role-playing program.
She counted each time her body hit the floor, and was grateful she was in good shape in her retirement.
Abney only signed up for four hours of the practice. She stayed for eight.
It is that dedication that earned Abney the distinction of Volunteer of the Year for James City County’s Volunteers in Police Service.
“Sharon is one of those people that if you’re short volunteers and you make one phone call, she’s Johnny on the spot. She’s there to help,” said Sgt. Jeff Vellines, VIPS coordinator for JCC Police.
As a member of VIPS, Abney helps the police at events in the community — shepherding youth through the Child ID process or celebrating National Night Out — and assists in the office by answering phones and directing visitors.
Vellines is grateful for the group’s commitment to the community and to the department.
“They contribute their time and experience to our organization,” he said. “It’s not a luxury. It’s essential that we have them.”
Abney takes on the standard duties of a volunteer, but she is also the one to stay late picking up the remains of a picnic celebration, or don the McGruff crime dog costume, even when no one else wants to take on the sweltering attire.
She does not limit herself to VIPS for volunteer service, either. On top of about 12 hours per month with VIPS, Abney helps out every Monday and Thursday at the Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse.
When it came time for VIPS to elect one of their peers as the Volunteer of the Year, Vellines said the choice was obvious.
“Everybody said it: 100 percent it’s Sharon this year” he said.
Abney’s desire to go above and beyond extends back to her career as a probation officer in Connecticut.
“I guess I want people to be satisfied,” she said.
She worries whether she is doing her duties correctly so as best to assist police, looking to please everyone and never disappoint.
Abney started volunteering in 2012. She came to Toano to retire — choosing James City County for its low crime rates — and wanted to employ her knowledge as a probation officer in a way to serve her new home.
“You feel as though you’re paying back somehow … even though there’s no money involved,” she said. “You’re paying back to the community.”
Her biggest reward is the smiling faces of children, proud of their image on gleaming new ID cards or hugging McGruff in a warm embrace.
“I encourage people to volunteer because once you do it, you see that it’s worth it,” Abney said.
Those interested in joining VIPS can learn more on the JCC website or by contacting Vellines at 259-5162.
