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Volunteer Spotlight
Gary Jones
1. How long have you been working with 2-1-1 Big Bend? I have been a volunteer phone counselor with 2-1-1 since the Fall of 2005. Originally, I worked normal shifts just like every other volunteer, but now I only work overnight shifts and I usually do one overnight shift per week. To date, I have over 1,800 volunteer hours.
2. What do you like best about working at 2-1-1 Big Bend? I have never felt unappreciated and/or taken for granted. In fact, the staff at 2-1-1 goes out of their way to let the volunteers know how much they are appreciated. Every morning when I finish an overnight shift, and I happen to see Carrie, she will thank me for working the overnight and tell me out much it is appreciated. I have been named the Volunteer of the Month twice, and I was honored to be named the 2008 James Earl Moyer (2-1-1) Volunteer of the Year.
3. What have you learned in your work here that has been personally or professionally helpful? I was a police officer here in Florida for over thirty-six (36) years. During that time I received many, many hours of training, referencing many different topics and issues. But, without a doubt, the initial training I received here at 2-1-1 was some of the best, if not the best, training I have ever experienced. Throughout most of my career, and especially during the four years when I was a homicide detective, I had a great deal of experience with suicide related incidents. Now, here at 2-1-1, I find it so rewarding and personally satisfying that I can help some of these unfortunate individuals before they actually do themselves harm.
4. What is one thing you would want people to know about 2-1-1 Big Bend? That 2-1-1 exists! Even though 2-1-1 is a nationwide effort, I am amazed at how many people still don't know about 2-1-1 and the valuable services we can offer to them.
5. Finally, tell us one 'fun thing' about yourself! Although I am a retired police officer I am still very much involved with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial located in Washington, D.C. They do an outstanding job of honoring the brave men and women of law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I am a volunteer Law Enforcement Ambassador with the Memorial and I help them spread the work about the Memorial, and the new Museum they are building. I also help them with their fundraising too. My Memorial fundraising page is here. I've also written a non-fiction (True Crime) book: Badge 149 - "Shots Fired!" It is available both as a paperback and as an eBook too. My book's web site is here. |
