Ramalia honored as Volunteer Coordinator of the Year

From Yolo County Sheriff's Department

Suzanne Ramalia, Yolo County Sheriff’s Operations Technician who serves as the Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Coordinator, was named the Volunteer Coordinator of the Year at the annual conference of Law Enforcement Volunteers of California (LEVOC) in Lodi Tuesday.

LEVOC is a Non Profit organization comprised of Law Enforcement agencies dedicated to promoting Volunteers in Law Enforcement. Forty-seven Northern California Law Enforcement Agencies participated in the LEVOC Conference where Suzanne received her award.

Yolo County Sheriff’s Team of Active Retired Seniors (STARS) Commander Jim Hanney and Field Operations Lieutenant Martin Torres submitted the nomination with the full support of Sheriff Ed Prieto.

Sheriff Prieto said, “Our volunteer program has been a model for the County of Yolo. Suzanne has been instrumental in the success of the STARS volunteer program and continues to have full support of the Sheriff’s Office. It is obvious to me that Suzanne really cares for all the volunteers, and takes great pride in the success of the program.”

Suzanne started with the Yolo County Sheriff’s office in July of 2011.

She had no previous Law Enforcement experience, but took on her new job with enthusiasm and focus. Almost immediately, Suzanne was able to win the respect and admiration of the STARS members and was able to develop the core members into a professional, focused organization.

Under Suzanne’s leadership the STARS have almost tripled its membership, and have created and implemented several new programs to support the Sheriff’s Office and the communities it serves.

She has also revitalized the organization and the development of the STARS leaders to be more independent and proactive to help accomplish the daily tasks that keep our Yolo County Sheriff’s Services Records Transportation agency efficient.

In addition, with her encouragement, the STARS have taken on new, and expanded existing community based programs such as the Owner Applied Number program, vacation house watches, home custody inmate monitoring, and general patrols in the communities.

These programs increase the Sheriff’s Office presence and help prevent and report crime. Suzanne and the STARS are also involved in annual community events such as the Yolo County Fair, Capay Valley Almond Festival and Toys for Tots.

Lieutenant Torres said, “I cannot give a better closing than what Commander Hanney wrote; “Ms. Ramalia would be the first to say that these accomplishments are a group effort by the STARS and Office Command Staff, but without her leadership and drive, the STARS service to the Sheriff’s Office and the community would be far less significant.

Ms. Ramalia’s dedication to the STARS, the Sheriff’s Office and Yolo County are a glowing example of the Sheriff’s Office motto of “Service Without Limitations”.

Yolo County residents, who are at least 50 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and who can contribute at least 16 hours per month, are urged to apply to join the STARS program. Please contact Suzanne at 530.668.5298 for more information.