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Dale Neuendorf is the new leader for the Chelsea Citizen Observer Patrol. The COP is a program that helps direct traffic at Chelsea events and patrols the streets to assist the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
COP program gets new leader
Published Wednesday, November 12, 2008
CHELSEA — Chelsea's Citizen Observer Patrol program has a new leader trying to accomplish old goals.
Chelsea resident Dale Neuendorf has taken over for Billy Weldon, a four-year leader who chose to step down because of a lack of fresh ideas.
"I've run out of new ideas, and it's time for some new blood to come in," Weldon said. He said he will continue to work with the program, which handles such duties as directing traffic for Chelsea events and patrolling streets to help the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.
Neuendorf, who has worked with the COP since 2003, said his biggest goal is to continue the work the program has put into the community.
"Our primary objective is to expand the program to keep Chelsea a safe community and one that is a great place to raise our families," Neuendorf said.
Neuendorf, who chaired a COP advisory committee last year, said he wanted to put some of the advisory committee's suggestions to work. He looks to get more training for COP officers and stay involved in as many Chelsea events as possible.
"We're the eyes and ears for the Chelsea community," he said. "We're kind of like the neighborhood watch on wheels."
Weldon that while heading up the COP, he had hoped to increase membership to around 50 people - something he was never able to do. The membership is currently at 25 to 30.
"We did not grow like I wanted us to," Weldon said. "I would have loved to have had about 50 people active. Our size community should be able to support that without any problems, and we have not done it."
Neuendorf plans to tackle that problem head on by looking for ideas to reenergize the recruiting.
"I'd like to have more people patrolling and more people working special events," he said.
Weldon said since he stepped down, two more applications have been processed for people to join the COP.
"We may be moving up," he said. "This may be a positive step already."
Neuendorf took over the job on Nov. 1.
The COP is an organization devoted to watching out for Chelsea citizens. Members of the COP do not take action themselves — they call the authorities if they see any wrongdoing. For more information on working with the COP, contact the Chelsea City Hall at 678-8455.
Comments
Posted by myopinion (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a resident of Chelsea and I have seen the COP "officers" trying to direct traffic in front of the intermediate/middle schools and almost get children killed due to not knowing what no earth they were doing! They certainly need more training if they are going to be responsible for the lives of our children. You cannot motion for kids to cross the road while motioning for cars to move forward! I am supprised we have not had someone hurt or even killed from this. I would rather not see COP officers period than to see them doing jobs that they are not qualified to do. Good luck Neuendorf! I hope you can get this situation under control.
Posted by CRB1972 (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The COPS are well trained and have the best traffic safety gear. They volunteer time to help the people of Chelsea. I wonder what that crosswalk on Halloween night would have been like without them. Perhaps "anonymous" would like to join the COPs and help them to protect the children of Chelsea. Someone as safety conscious as "anonymous" would be appreciated.
Posted by MRN1971 (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I find the posting by myopinion (anonymous) somewhat confusing. It sounds as if this person is doing just what they blogged against another person doing back on October 13 at 8:31 a.m. (STOP MAKING JUDGEMENT CALLS, until you have the whole story) Just in case others did not get a chance to see it I went ahead and pasted it below. I took my children over to Yellow Leaf on Halloween. I noticed that the vehicles that were approaching the cross walk were driving as if they did not see the SLOW signs and Speed indicators that were posted. "Most of the drivers had a cell phone stuck to their heads." I believe that for the noted 25-30 individuals. Who appeared to have been spread out over the city did a good job considering the number of parents and children that were out trying to have a good time. Also, before I started this I ran a search on any news posted about their group. I found articles showing where their members have been provided training and certified in tactical driving, first responders, and other patrol / medical training. It appears this training has been approved by the Sheriff's Department as well. It looks to be a good program for people who want to make a positive difference. So I say to the COP program thanks for what you do, and for what you do for the people of Chelsea that we don't see. And please know that as a parent I do not hold the COP or its members responsible for the safety of my children. It is my job as a responsible parent to do that.
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Posted on October 13 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe we don't know the whole story. Maybe it was a self defense issue... Maybe he had the knife first... This is the reason that the above "know it all" human beings are not the ones that are responsible for making important decisions. Until you have the entire story, STOP MAKING JUDGEMENT CALLS!!!
On Alleged murderer out on bond
Posted by ChelseaCOP (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In response to "myopinion(anonymous)" the Chelsea COP Program is always interested in constructive criticism and is constantly striving to improve our program. The Chelsea COP's are well trained and the record of keeping Chelsea a safe community is well documented. We would welcome the opportunity to sit down and discuss anyone's concerns but would prefer to do so face to face. If you would like to schedule a meeting with any of the Chelsea COP leadership you may do so by contacting the Chelsea City Hall.
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