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It has been almost a year since I was assigned as the Department’s Reserve Coordinator. From early on, it became evident to me that many things were needed to support and help revitalize the Reserve Corps. After many meetings with reserve coordinators and reserve officers from throughout the City, we have established what I believe to be an excellent set of initiatives to improve the Corps and increase its size.
One of the initiatives involves better communication among management, reserve coordinators and members of the Reserve Corps. Hopefully, the creation of this newsletter, in conjunction with management structure meetings and my visits to reserve units will help resolve the concern. I think communication about important issues is better now, and will continue to improve in the coming months.
My visit to the various reserve units has really been a pleasurable experience. I have had the opportunity to meet some extraordinarily dedicated people who revere their service to the Department. Most of you are optimistic about the future of the Corps and I see it as my primary mission to provide the necessary support and direction to achieve the kind of improvement that we all expect.
“The Reserve Corps initiatives” have been completed and are in the final steps of proofreading. There are now 20, (we started with 12) and will soon start working their way through the approval chain. I had the authority to implement some of the initiatives and have done so. Things like beginning a Level II Reserve Officer Program and actively recruiting reserves from other Departments have already commenced. Other initiatives like removing the “R” from your badges, or altering the identification card will require City Council approval and an ordinance change – so that may take some additional time. You will be kept informed of our progress.
On Saturday, October 9, 2004, the Reserve Foundation will be sponsoring the annual “Twice a Citizen” Awards banquet. Members of the Foundation, many of whom are reserves, are already working very hard to ensure that this is a very special evening for you. Please plan on attending. I will look forward to seeing you there. More details concerning the event will be forthcoming.
In closing let me say that I am very optimistic about the future of the Reserve Corps. I believe that our initiatives, all of which were formed with your input, will help us improve morale and double the size of the Corps in the next five years. Finally, let me thank you all for your unselfish service to the Department. Your enthusiasm and dedication to a very difficult job continues to amaze me.
Thank you,
Robert B. Hansohn
Department Reserve Coordinator
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