As Dayton's Neighborhood Assistance Officer program nears its 50th anniversary, the volunteer officer team is recognized with a prestigious international award.
The program, a collection of 15 volunteer members and full-time program manager, Cindy August, was awarded with the Leadership in Volunteer Police Service Programs Award.
The Neighborhood Assistance Officer program, or NAO, was Implemented in 1970 as a grant-funded program.
NAO continued even after the grant expired as city leaders recognized the tremendous effect the program had on the community.
“These volunteers selflessly dedicate their time for hundreds of hours every year," August said in a written statement. "They patrol streets, assist at crash, fire, and other emergency scenes, conduct vacation house checks, provide traffic direction for community events, attend community engagement events, and any other task that is asked of them.
The award is to be presented in October at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Chicago.
