My appearance on Mike Cohen’s podcast

I’m excited to be a guest on Councillor Mike Cohen’s podcast about my political involvement in the City of Côte Saint-Luc and my continued work in Public Safety / volunteer Citizens on Patrol. Have a listen and I hope you get involved in your community too. Your comments are always appreciated.

CSL volunteer Citizens on Patrol looking for new members

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PRESS RELEASE

CSL volunteer Citizens on Patrol looking for new members

Information Session on April 17

Cote Saint-Luc – April 2, 2024 – The City of Cote Saint-Luc is looking for new recruits for its unique and active volunteer Citizens on Patrol (vCOP) program.

An information session will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 7:00PM at City Hall, 5801 Cavendish Blvd. Registration is required. Visit https://cotesaintluc.org/services/public-safety/vcop/how-to-join/ to register for the information session or download the application form.

The program trains volunteers to patrol the streets of Côte Saint-Luc in marked vans as well as on electric scooters, on bicycles and on foot. The volunteers notify local agencies about emergency and non-emergency situations. 

“vCOP members serve as skilled observers throughout the community,” said Mayor Mitchell Brownstein. “Volunteer patrollers also help out at community events, deliver books to shut-ins and check on residential properties while homeowners are on vacation. They also assist Public Safety at major incidents (such as water main breaks, major fires, power outages and downed wires) to help secure perimeters.”

“Cote Saint-Luc was the first city in Quebec to implement this neighbourhood-watch-on-wheels program in 2006,” added vCOP Chairman, Glenn J. Nashen. “Similar programs have been established in communities throughout Canada and the United States, but Cote Saint-Luc vCOP is unique in our region and across Quebec. We have been leaders in all matters of safety for a very long time.”

Prospective volunteers do not have to be Cote Saint-Luc residents, however they must be aged 18 or older. Many are retirees who patrol on three hour shifts every week or two. Trainees will learn about first aid and bleeding control, Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and the use of Automated External Defibrillators, fire extinguishers, two-way radios and in patrol and surveillance techniques.

The City Councillor responsible for vCOP is Steven Erdelyi. vCOP is part of the Public Safety Department which includes Public Security and the Dispatch Centre, led by Director Philip Chateauvert and Chief Jean-Marc Dubois.

vCOP relies on volunteer leadership to steer the organization, including supervisors Elaine Meunier, Susie Schwartz, Jeff Smith and Mitchell Herf. Glenn J. Nashen is the founder of the group and continues to serve in the capacity as vCOP Chair.

For more information visit CoteSaintLuc.org/vcop, call 514-485-6800 #5106, or send an e-mail to vcop@CoteSaintLuc.org.

Additional Quotations

“vCOP volunteers work alongside public security, police, fire and EMS services to add to Côte Saint-Luc’s substantial safety initiatives. Our program is an extraordinary way for citizens to give back to their community. We provide training and support to our members and they will gain new, unique experiences and wonderful camaraderie.”  

• Glenn J. Nashen, Chairman

“Our vCOP patrollers help to increase safety in our city. We can always rely on vCOP to help out at events or emergency situations. We are so fortunate to have this amazing resource in Côte Saint-Luc.”

• Councillor Steven Erdelyi, the council member responsible for vCOP

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COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE

Le programme de bénévoles Citoyens en patrouille à la recherche de nouveaux membres

Séance d’information le 17 avril

Côte Saint-Luc – le 2 avril 2024 – La Ville de Côte Saint-Luc cherche à recruter pour son programme unique et actif de citoyens bénévoles en patrouille (vCOP).

Une séance d’information aura lieu le mercredi 17 avril 2024, à 19 h, à l’hôtel de ville, 5801, boulevard Cavendish. Inscription requise. Pour vous inscrire à la séance d’information ou pour télécharger le formulaire de demande, consulter cotesaintluc.org/fr/services/securite-publique/vcop/comment-se-joindre/.

Le programme forme les bénévoles pour les préparer à patrouiller dans les rues de Côte Saint-Luc à bord de véhicules clairement identifiés, en vélo ou à pied. Les patrouilleurs signalent aux autorités locales les situations urgentes et non urgentes. 

« Les membres de vCOP agissent comme observateurs partout dans la communauté, explique le maire Mitchell Brownstein. Les patrouilleurs bénévoles fournissent aussi de l’aide lors des événements communautaires, ils apportent des livres aux personnes confinées à la maison et surveillent les immeubles résidentiels lorsque les propriétaires sont en vacances. Ils aident aussi la Sécurité publique en cas d’incidents majeurs (bris d’aqueduc, incendies majeurs, pannes de courant, chutes de fils électriques, etc.) pour la mise en place de périmètres de sécurité. »

« Côte Saint-Luc a été la première ville du Québec à mettre en œuvre ce programme de surveillance de quartier mobile, en 2006, ajoute Glenn J. Nashen, président de vCOP. Des programmes similaires existent dans différentes communautés au Canada et aux États-Unis, mais celui de Côte Saint-Luc est unique dans notre région et au Québec. Depuis très longtemps, nous sommes des leaders en matière de sécurité. »

Les candidats bénévoles n’ont pas à être résidents de Côte Saint-Luc, mais ils doivent avoir au moins 18 ans. Beaucoup sont des personnes à la retraite qui offrent des quarts de travail de trois heures chaque semaine ou toutes les deux semaines. Les nouveaux bénévoles doivent apprendre les premiers soins et le contrôle des saignements, la réanimation cardio-respiratoire et l’utilisation de défibrillateurs externes automatisés, d’extincteurs d’incendie, de radios bidirectionnelles, en plus de s’initier aux techniques de patrouille et de surveillance.

Le conseiller municipal responsable du programme vCOP est Steven Erdelyi. vCOP fait partie du Service de protection civile qui comprend la Sécurité publique et le centre de répartition, sous la direction du directeur Philip Chateauvert et du chef Jean-Marc Dubois.

vCOP s’appuie sur les bénévoles pour diriger l’organisation, notamment les superviseurs Elaine Meunier, Susie Schwartz, Jeff Smith et Mitchell Herf. Le fondateur du groupe, Glenn J. Nashen, continue d’exercer les fonctions de président de vCOP.

Pour plus d’information, visitez CoteSaintLuc.org/vcop, téléphonez au 514-485-6800, poste 5106, ou envoyez un courriel à vcop@CoteSaintLuc.org.

Citations supplémentaires

« Les bénévoles de vCOP travaillent avec les services de sécurité publique, de la police, de protection incendie et des services médicaux d’urgence pour renforcer les importantes initiatives de Côte Saint-Luc en matière de sécurité. Notre programme est aussi une façon remarquable pour les citoyens de rendre service à leur communauté. Nous fournissons la formation et le soutien à nos membres tout en leur donnant l’occasion de vivre des expériences nouvelles et uniques dans un bel esprit de camaraderie. » 

• Glenn J. Nashen, président

« Nos patrouilleurs vCOP contribuent à améliorer la sécurité dans notre ville. Nous pouvons toujours compter sur eux pour nous aider lors d’événements ou de situations d’urgence. Nous avons beaucoup de chance d’avoir cette ressource extraordinaire à Côte Saint-Luc. »

• Conseiller Steven Erdelyi, membre du conseil responsable pour vCOP

A rebound year for vCOP

As 2023 draws toward an end, the members of Cote Saint-Luc volunteer Citizens on Patrol can be proud of their efforts. While we started off the year still with a corps of volunteers that was weakened and diminished coming out of the pandemic, we reinvigorated and reestablished the group as a unique and well respected community service.

Our leadership team of Supervisors Elaine Meunier, Susie Schwartz, Mitchell Herf and Jeff Smith along with our professional staff of Public Safety Director Philip Chateauvert and Chief Jean-Marc Dubois and I met often to strategize and plan for a return to our previous numbers in terms of membership and shift coverage.

L-R: vCOP Leadership Team 2023: Glenn J. Nashen, Jean-Marc Dubois, Mitchell Brownstein, Elaine Meunier, Mitchell Herf, Susie Schwartz, Jeff Smith. Missing: Philip Chateauvert.

We renewed our training, returned to regular patrols, increased our coverage and welcomed two new cohorts of recruits. And with the worrisome security situation close to home, related to the war in Israel, we were out patrolling our streets, watching over our religious institutions, shul-goers, students and all others. We showed our community that we are there for them, watching out and providing another level of security when anxiety is high.

As Chair of vCOP, I’m proud of what we have been able to achieve and the positive impact we have had in our community. Thanks to all of our members for keeping ‘active in orange’.

Elaine Meunier and Jean-Marc Dubois present Patroller of the Year certificate to Marty Labow

At our end of year holiday dinner at the ACC, we congratulated our most active members. Our Top Patroller Award for most hours went to Marty Labow. And the vCOP Special Recognition Award went to Fred Golt.

Jean-Marc Dubois with Special Recognition Award recipient Fred Golt and Jeff Smith

Best wishes to all of our dedicated patrollers for a Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May our darkest days be filled with the lights of the menorah, blinking lights on the trees and whatever else brings light, hope and inspiration.

Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and Elaine thanked each volunteer for their service to the community

Training vCOP to save lives

After a four year hiatus, basic medical training of Cote Saint-Luc volunteer Citizens on Patrol has returned with a new, innovative program.

vCOP is learning to Stop the Bleed, a program designed to train citizens how to stop a person from bleeding to death. Loss of life from severe blood loss can happen in as little as 4-5 minutes so it is critical to control bleeding as soon as possible.

Training in CPR with an AED by my side

Additionally, members were recertified in the use of AEDs, or Automated External Defibrillators. AEDs are widely accessible in public spaces like municipal buildings, shopping malls, sports centres and office buildings. Simple to use, AEDs in conjunction with bystander CPR, or Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation, can save a life, when a person has gone into cardiac arrest.

The Hero in 30 program was also taught. The Hero in 30 Training Course: CPR Without Mouth-to-Mouth Ventilation’ prepares you on how to rapidly respond when a person chokes, collapses suddenly or has cardiac arrest. This 30-minute course teaches a simplified version of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR-AED) technique that does not use mouth-to-mouth ventilation.

The three courses were provided by the CSL Training Academy, part of our Emergency Medical Services (EMS). First responders Joy Rodgers and Louis-Pierre Fournier are excellent instructors who walked our vCOP members through each aspect of the Heimlich Maneuver for a person choking, CPR, AED and bleeding control.

Joy and L-P are CSL EMS volunteers with years of experience in responding to 911 calls. Together with their colleague, Amanda (with new baby in tow), these extraordinary citizens helped train other citizens to be ready to help others. What a beautiful circle of neighbours helping neighbours.

If you would like to help too, consider joining CSL EMS or vCOP or donating to either group. Recruitment sessions will soon be underway.

In the meantime, when you see CSL volunteers passing by in their emergency vehicles, give encouragement by waving hello, giving a thumbs up or saying hello and Thank You. We’re at your service, ready to help and maybe to save your life!

Finally, in an emergency, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. Call 911 and ask for help!

vCOP Supervisor Mitchell Herf, EMS instructors L-P Fournier and Joy Rodgers, Glenn J. Nashen

vCOP always at the ready

Summer is kicking off in Cote Saint-Luc with a growing squad of volunteer Citizens on Patrol members ready to swing into action. Last night, they answered the call for burgers and dogs! It was the annual vCOP Summer BBQ – the first one in four long years!

It was great to see so many members back together as well as new recruits who are now in the middle of their training program.

Our team is lead by four dynamic and energetic volunteer supervisors, Susie Berkson Schwartz, Elaine Meunier, Mitchell Herf and Jeff Smith. They oversee operations on a daily basis and work with me and Chief Jean-Marc Dubois and Public Safety Director Philip Chateauvert on developing long range planning.

I’m proud to work alongside supervisors Mitchell Herf, Elaine Meunier and Susie Berkson Schwartz

Our volunteers were encouraged by the strong show of support from Neighbourhood Police Station 9 commander Martin Montour along with Sargent Alexandre Proulx and two of the six cadets that are on assignment for the summer.

I couldn’t be in safer hands with Director Philp Chateauvert (left) and Commander Martin Montour (right)

Also on hand were police officers Joshua Christopher and Jessica Znaty. Jessica was a member of vCOP more than 10 years ago, eventually joining the civilian ranks in the RCMP and then served for several years as an emergency 911 dispatcher in Montreal. She has been an officer on the SPVM for four years – the only member of vCOP to become a police officer (although we once had a Romanian former police officer join us). We were so proud to see Officer Znaty in full uniform.

Montreal Station 9 police officers Joshua Christopher and Jessica Znaty

Volunteer First Responders with CSL Emergency Medical Services also dropped in along with Division Chief Eddy Afram. We saved a few burgers for our friendly neighbourhood Public Security officers but they were busy on calls.

Mayor Mitchell Brownstein thanked the volunteers on behalf of all residents and encouraged them to enjoy every moment of life. He was there with his wife, Elaine, who chatted with many familiar volunteers. Councillor Steven Erdelyi, responsible for vCOP, told the volunteers he is looking ahead to replacing the aging fleet with electric vehicles.

Long service pins were handed out for 5 to 15 years of dedication. vCOP will celebrate 17 years since we launched on July 1, 2006.

Celebrating Safely in CSL

CSL volunteer Citizens on Patrol (vCOP) and volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) first responders were on duty this week ensuring a safe and joyous celebration for Lag B’Omer.

Hundreds were in attendance in Yitzhak Rabin Park on Westminster Avenue.

We’re always looking for new recruits and might have found few new two-wheeled volunteers (in about 10 years).

Chag Sameach.

CBC Daybreak interview on CSL vCOP

My interview on CBC Daybreak this morning about Cote Saint-Luc volunteer Citizens on Patrol. Have a listen and please encourage a friend or neighbour to join our amazing group of dedicated volunteers.

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-15-daybreak-montreal/clip/15979347-cote-saint-lucs-volunteer-citizens-patrol-looking-recruits.

CSL volunteer Citizens on Patrol looking for new members: Information Session on April 19

The City of Côte Saint-Luc is looking for new recruits for its unique and active volunteer Citizens on Patrol (vCOP) program and will hold an information session on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 7pm at City Hall, 5801 Cavendish Blvd. Registration is required. Visit CoteSaintLuc.org/vCOP to register for the information session.

The program trains volunteers to patrol the streets of Côte Saint-Luc in marked vans, on electric scooters, on foot and on bicycles. The volunteers notify local agencies about emergency and non-emergency situations. They serve as skilled observers throughout the community. Volunteer patrollers also help out at community events, deliver books to shut-ins and check on residential properties while homeowners are on vacation. They also assist Public Safety at major incidents (such as water main breaks, major fires, power outages and downed wires) to help secure perimeters.

Côte Saint-Luc was the first city in Quebec to implement this neighbourhood-watch-on-wheels program in 2006. Similar programs have been established in communities throughout Canada and the United States.

Prospective volunteers do not have to be Côte Saint-Luc residents, however they must be age 18 or older. Many are retirees who patrol on three hour shifts every week or two. Trainees will learn about first aid, Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and the use of Automated External Defibrillators, fire extinguishers, two-way radios and in patrol and surveillance techniques.

For more information visit CoteSaintLuc.org/vcop, call 514-485-6800 #5106, or send an e-mail to vcop@CoteSaintLuc.org.

Quotations
“vCOP volunteers work alongside public security, police, fire and EMS services to add to Côte Saint-Luc’s substantial safety initiatives. Our program is an extraordinary way for citizens to give back to their community. We provide training and support to our members and they will gain new, unique experiences and wonderful camaraderie.”

• Glenn J. Nashen, Chairman

“Our vCOP patrollers help to increase safety in our city. We can always rely on vCOP to help out at events or emergency situations. We are so fortunate to have this amazing resource in Côte Saint-Luc.”

• Councillor Steven Erdelyi, the council member responsible for vCOP

Photo: Glenn J. Nashen and Mitchell Herf on patrol. Photo credit: Glenn J. Nashen

CSL mega-volunteer Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Yarin passes away

By Joel Goldenberg The Suburban Jan 16, 2023

Ronald Yarin was honoured at the 2015 CSL Golf Tournament. Source: Facebook

Ronald “Ronnie” Yarin, well known as a mega-volunteer in Côte St. Luc, passed away peacefully Wednesday Jan. 11 in his 85th year.

His funeral was held at Paperman & Sons Friday Jan. 13.

Yarin, who came to Montreal from Brooklyn, New York in 1965 to marry his wife Sylvia, volunteered for activities that ran the gamut in Côte St. Luc, including the Executive Softball League, the Youth Hockey League; the city’s acclaimed eyes and ears of the community, the volunteer Citizens on Patrol (vCOP) program; helped sell tickets and set up events, and selflessly offered advice and lifts to members of the community. Yarin was also co-president of the Men’s Club at Beth Zion synagogue.

Tributes poured in.

Mayor Mitchell Brownstein wrote in a condolence message that “few people have had the impact on Cote St. Luc’s quality of life as Ron. He has been a compassionate leader who has volunteered in so many capacities, always participating with a smile, kind words of advice, and friendship to all. May his memory serve as a reminder to all, of how one person can make such a difference. He will be dearly missed.”

Former councillor Glenn Nashen, who conceived and launched the vCOP program, wrote that “Ron was an icon around Cote St. Luc, well known for his interest and participation in sports. spanning decades. He was a much admired and appreciated member of our volunteer Citizens on Patrol team. Even when he could no longer do regular patrols, he would ride along with vCOP buddies an an observer. He did much more than observe. He provided camaraderie, humour and a positive energy, on the road and at our meetings and events. His dedication to the city and fellow citizens was admirable and an example for future generations. He will be remembered.”

Harold Cammy, the longtime sports manager of CSL’s parks and recreation department, wrote that Yarin was a “huge contributor to the growth of the Cote St. Luc community through his many volunteer activities.

“He always handled himself in the most humble of ways and we all considered him a ‘prince of a man.’ We were lucky enough to have had the opportunity to honour him at the City’s Golf Outing several years ago and his speech left many in tears. The sports programs between the 1970s and 2010s in CSL would not have been the success they were without his monumental contribution. He loved Cote St. Luc, the people he worked with and the kids he helped oversee through all of his activities.”

Louise Ferland, former section manager for sports at CSL’s recreation department, wrote on Facebook that Yarin was a “man who always had kind words to say about people. He was a wonderful citizen of his adopted community of CSL. I had the pleasure of knowing Ron through our great recreation department during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. My sincere condolences to his family and to all who knew and loved him.”

Yarin’s family is asking that contributions in his memory be made to the Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary, which can be reached at (514) 369-2222 ext.: 1337.

joel@thesuburban.com

https://www.thesuburban.com/news/city_news/csl-mega-volunteer-ronald-ronnie-yarin-passes-away/article_52608c1c-2057-5f99-ba77-b3ea7f6007ac.html

Remembering members who passed: Ron Yarin and Bert Rabinovitch at the 2015 vCOP summer BBQ

Celebrating vCOP: Getting active again

What a great evening we had last week at the Cote Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre “Ballroom”. With 45 members of the volunteer Citizens on Patrol in attendance at the end of year holiday party it was a successful and fun event.

We thanked several members who received their pins for 5, 10 and 15 years of membership.

Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and his wife Elaine were in attendance. The mayor thanked all of the volunteers and encouraged them to keep active and to enjoy all that they do to benefit their community. City Councillor Steven and Erdelyi, responsible for vCOP was also there and thanked everyone for their important contribution to keep our city safe.

Congratulations to the vCOP Most Valuable Patroller of 2022: Martin Labow.

vCOP MVP 2022: Martin Labow in his iconic orange

Our Top 10 Patrollers for 2022 received certificates. They are:

• Issie Karpman
• Kenny Corber
• Bernie Band
• Marty Croitoru
• Allan Bramson
• Jeff Smith
• Elaine Meunier
• Allan Plotnick
• Sheldon Polansky
• Susie Schwartz

Councillor Oren Sebag, responsible for EMS and Public Security, as well as City Manager Jonathan Schecter, were on hand to congratulate the dedicated volunteers, many of whom returned to active duty as soon as the organization returned last Spring after a two-year lockdown.

The food arranged by Marco and Gio from the ACC’s Aqua Café was enjoyed by all. Overall it was an pleasant evening out! Special thanks to our wonderful vCOP Supervisor Elaine Meunier and Team Leader Susie Schwartz for their wonderful organizing talents as well as to Chief Jean-Marc Dubois and Director Philip Chateauvert for pulling it all together, as usual.

A Recruitment Drive will begin in January. Please talk up vCOP to friends, neighbours and family. We’re looking for a few good people!

L-R: Cllr. Oren Sebag, Cllr. Steven Erdelyi, EMS Chief Eddy Afram, Director Philip Chateauvert, Chair Glenn J. Nashen, Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Chief, Jean-Marc Dubois, City Manager Jonathan Schecter

Cote Saint-Luc appointment of vCOP chairman

I am very excited to take on this new role as chairman of vCOP. Having founded the organization in 2006 I have been actively involved in the leadership and all aspects of vCOP. It is my pleasure to return in this newly created position. I thank Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and vCOP Councillor Steven Erdelyi for their confidence and I look forward to working closely with CSL Public Safety Director Philip Chateauvert and Chief Jean-Marc Dubois and with all of our dedicated and extraordinary volunteers.

vCOP is an outstanding community service that adds a layer of protection to the safest city on the Island of Montreal. I hope to encourage more residents and visitors to join us for a rewarding, interesting and exciting experience.

I’m honoured! At the CSL Golf Classic

After a two-year hiatus the 41st Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic will take place at Meadowbrook Golf Club. CSL council and the CSL Men’s Club will collaborate on the event, with Councillors Mike Cohen and Dida Berku joined by Mannie Young as co-chairs. I will be joined by former councillor Sam Goldbloom as this year’s honourees.

This is a fun and friendly competition. That’s good news for me as I’m not a golfer. In fact, the only time ever ever golfed was several years ago at this same Golf Classic, with my father instructing me on every hole.

As you may know, I served on city council for more than 25 years, and even served as mayor for a short while. I was a key player in the area of public safety, having launched the Volunteer Citizens on Patrol (VCOPs) and championed the volunteer Emergency Medical Services and everything public safety oriented including the first municipal bike helmet bylaw in Canada . I was outspoken on bilingualism and National Unity and worked closely with my friends and colleagues Anthony Housefather, Mitchell Brownstein and the late Ruth Kovac on demerging from Montreal and regaining our City of CSL. My good friend Sam was a councillor for 12 years and co-chaired the Golf Classic on many occasions.

Some of the proceeds will go to the Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund. These donations help disadvantaged families and families with children who have special needs in CSL who cannot afford to register their children in seasonal programs and activities.

I’m proud to still be involved with vCOP and to promote public safety in Cote Saint-Luc and the wider community. As well, I offer my advice to Councillor Mike Cohen as part of his District Advisory Committee.

I’m quite honoured!

Councillor Mike Cohen, Glenn J. Nashen, Sam Goldbloom, Councillor Dida Berku and Mannie Young at Meadowbrook Golf Course

Have a safe evening in CSL

A lovely evening patrolling Cote Saint-Luc on electric scooters. 16 years of volunteer Citizens on Patrol after more than 25 years of shifts at CSL EMS. Happy to serve!

Men to be sentenced this summer for reckless shooting in Côte-St-Luc

At least 11 shots were fired along Kingsley Road in Côte-St-Luc. One bullet struck a man, while others hit a taxi and an apartment building.

Montreal Gazette | May 09, 2022 

https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/men-to-be-sentenced-this-summer-for-reckless-shooting-in-cote-st-luc

Volunteer patrollers back on the road in Côte Saint-Luc

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Côte Saint-Luc volunteer Citizens on Patrol (vCOP) is once again back on the road. In order to minimize the risk to the volunteers, the City is following all the government and CNESST guidelines, as well as strict internal protocols. 

Working in collaboration with Côte Saint-Luc Public Safety, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Montreal police, vCOP members patrol the city, observing and reporting any suspicious activities or problems. The vCOP members are not law enforcement personnel; instead, they act as the eyes and ears for our emergency services. 

“I thank the vCOP volunteers who are resuming their patrols around the city in their familiar orange-striped vans. We’re lucky to have them,” said Mayor Mitchell Brownstein. 

Visible on the streets and in parks, and at many special events throughout the year, the vCOP patrols help deter crime and assist people in need. They also assist residents and visitors by informing them about city services and municipal by-laws. VCOP members patrol in marked vehicles as well as on bicycle, scooters, and on foot. 

“Resuming this service is an important milestone on our way out of the pandemic. The health and safety of our volunteers is crucial and I greatly appreciate the Public Safety Department team for their work in organizing the safe return of our volunteers,” added Councillor Steven Erdelyi, Council link to the vCOP service.

To learn more about vCOP including information on how to join, visit cotesaintluc.org/vcop. 

Fmr. Cllr. Glenn J. Nashen and Supervisor Mitchell Herf inaugurate the newest vCOP electric scooters (2017)