Recognizing his volunteer contributions, especially those with the Beavercreek Police Department’s Citizens on Preventive Patrol (COPP), the Miami Valley Crime Stoppers named him Citizen of the Year in December.
While on the road at least four days a week, the Beavercreek traveling salesman volunteers for several organizations.
“I have always believed that everyone should volunteer their time to help others,” said Adams, who, since 2008, has been a member of COPP, a volunteer group trained to assist Beavercreek Police Department officers.
Like all COPP members, Adams does his weekly four-hour shift. He also volunteers extra hours at such community events as 5K runs, July Fourth festivities and the Beavercreek Popcorn Festival. He is also president of the Beavercreek Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.
“I believe we need a strong, professionally trained, compassionate police department. That is one of the reasons I have been involved with … the committee to help pass the last three police levies,” said Adams, who was nominated for the Miami Valley Crime Stoppers’ honor by Beavercreek Police Chief Dennis Evers.
“Don represents all of our COPPs, who give back to their community by assisting the police department with non-enforcement activities. This assistance, which is unpaid and all volunteer, saves the city tax dollars,” Chief Evers said.
Adams said that he has always respected the work of the police officers.
“I had wanted to be a part of the COPP organization for quite some time, but my travel schedule, in my mind, prevented me from serving the organization,” Adams said.
“I realized, about nine years ago, that if I wanted to be a part of the organization I would have to budget my time because I was not going to stop traveling for work.”
Adams’ past volunteer efforts have included volunteering with the Dayton Police Department’s Neighborhood Assistance Officers, the Civil Air Patrol and the Greater Dayton Emmaus Community.
He is currently a member of the Beavercreek Jaycees, an elder at Beavercreek Christian Church and is active in the Beavercreek School District’s show choir programs, which began when his granddaughter, Alexis Adams, was in the Ankeney Middle School Connection show choir and he served as president of its parents’ organization.
He followed her to the Beavercreek High School’s Friends show choir, serving its parents association in several capacities. Alexis graduated three years ago, but Adams has remained active with the program, serving as the stage manager its annual Midwest Show Choir Invitational.
“I believe we should each give something back to pay for the blessings we have received. I try to focus on things that I can do well, based on my personal experiences, or look at things that will help me to grow and learn.”
More information on the COPP program is available on the city’s website, www.beavercreekohio.gov, under services.
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