After a combined 55 years working with Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP), Rose and Bud are passing the torch.
Rose says they started their work for the community long before moving to Portage la Prairie, as they spent much of their time in Langruth volunteering.
"We have lots of good memories," explains Rose when asked about their time with COPP. "We've tried to make our community safer and take responsibility for the town we lived in. We've done lots of other volunteering, as well, but COPP was definitely the top of that list."
She adds that she will always advocate for people to volunteer with COPP, noting that 2023 saw an increase in membership. Currently, COPP has just under 30 members.
"(COPP) is a wonderful group," says Rose. "If anybody's interested, drop into the RCMP detachment, fill out your criminal record check and COPP application, and it will be passed at one of their meetings."
Looking ahead, Rose and Bud will be letting retirement truly kick in as COPP was the biggest piece of their volunteering lives. They hope that future organization members continue to keep Portage as safe as possible.
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