President Tom Flynn recognizes (left to right) Helen Smith, Ron Smith, Police Chief William Heim, and Reading Mayor Thomas McMahon at the 2006 President’s Dinner. |
(READING) –The City of Reading Police Department and Ron and Helen Smith are this year’s recipients of two annual awards conferred by Alvernia College on individuals and organizations with an exemplary record of service in the community.
Ron and Helen Smith of Wyomissing received the 2006 Franciscan Award, which honors individuals who selflessly give of their time, talents, and resources for the betterment of others. It is presented for exceptional service to the College, the community, and the individual’s profession.
The City of Reading Police Department has been awarded the 2006 Pro Urbe, which recognizes a business or organization that performs significant community service and contributes to a higher standard of living in Berks County and the surrounding communities.
The awards were presented by Alvernia President Thomas F. Flynn at the President’s Dinner, a private function, to be held Thursday, October 12, at the Reading Artworks located at 715 Clinton Street, that also recognizes College donors and friends.
As a community organization, the City of Reading Police Department supports neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. Its officers are committed to the principles of problem-oriented policing, working side-by-side with citizens to create a safer, more comfortable city.
he City of Reading Police Force and support personnel are involved in much more than the enforcement of laws and ordinances. They engage in many programs and projects that help achieve our mission. A proactive and responsive patrol force is the core of their efforts. Their efforts are supported and augmented by members of the Special Services and Criminal Investigations Division of the agency.
In appreciation for this service and in special recognition of these officers who have given their lives in service to their City, President Flynn used the occasion to announce a new scholarship program at Alvernia College. “To honor our City’s police,” Dr. Flynn said, “henceforth the surviving children of any fallen police officer will be awarded a scholarship for full-tuition to cover their undergraduate education at Alvernia College.
Members of the Reading Police Force are acknowledged by Chief Heim. |
William Heim, Reading Police Chief, was honored that his department is receiving the Pro Urbe, and said, “We sincerely appreciate this recognition by Alvernia College. Alvernia and the Reading Police Department have a long standing partnership.”
Chief Heim mentioned the College’s hosting of the police academy over the past ten years as having deepened their ties and also cited Alvernia’s innovative practice of including the Reading Police in its academic programs.
Ron and Helen Smith have distinguished themselves as community leaders, serving numerous community organizations for decades. They have embodied the Franciscan values of charity, service, and social justice in their public lives for the betterment of the Reading and Berks communities.
Dr. Smith is an anesthesiologist at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center. Both Dr. Smith and his wife have deep and lasting ties to Alvernia College, where Dr. Smith has served as a trustee since 1998.
In addition to serving as officers for the Reading Chapter of the NAACP and the Police Athletic League, the Smiths have both chaired fundraising and outreach events since the 80’s.
Besides volunteering at the Reading Emergency Shelter and the Spruce Manor Nursing Home, Helen Smith is also a Friend of the Reading Museum, on the board of Directors for the Family First Resource Center, and a founding member of Sisterhood, an organization of African-American women who serve as mentors and role models to young girls.
Smith served as a member of the Regional AIDS Net Allocation Committee and the Reading/Berks HIV and AIDS Consortium and has been on the board of the Olivet Boys and Girls Club since 1990.
Dr. Flynn’s complete presentation to the City of Reading Police Department and Ron and Helen Smith can be accessed by clicking on either link.
For more information about Alvernia College, call (888) ALVERNIA.
Updated:
October 23, 2006
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