December 4, 2006

LANSING - The Columbia Township Neighborhood Watch Team of Van Buren County has been selected as the 2006 Michigan Citizen Corps Team of the Year, for its work in reducing crime in Columbia Township.

The Team of the Year award is given annually by Citizen Corps, an organization that coordinates volunteer activities to make communities safer and better prepared to respond to the threats of crime, terrorism and disasters of all kinds.  Sgt. Kevin Sweeney of the Michigan State Police recently presented a plaque to Watch Team representatives during a Van Buren County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Since 2003, the Watch Team has worked side by side with deputies to decrease breaking and entering crimes in Columbia Township, from 15 a month in 2003 to less than two per month in 2005.

The Watch Team boasts 313 members, with 17 block captains and five marked patrol vehicles.  The team meets monthly and continuously offers training to members in areas such as disaster preparedness, fire safety, basic first aid, disaster psychology and light search and rescue.

"The Columbia Township Neighborhood Watch Team demonstrates impressive citizen involvement toward ensuring a safer and better prepared community," said Capt. Eddie Washington, commander of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.  "Citizen Corps relies on volunteerism to improve awareness and safety.  I commend these residents for their hard work and dedication."

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.