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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels July 10, 2004 Volunteers with police department check houses for people on vacation By Bill Choy Ashland Daily Tidings When Mary Mastain and her husband, Dick, leave on vacation, they know their home will be safe, thanks to volunteers working with the Ashland Police Department. For the past 20 years, they have gone to houses to make sure everything is secure when owners are away. "We always feel very calm and confident whenever we're going on a trip," Mary said. "If they find something where they don't understand the circumstances, they call my friend. They are very effective and devoted to their job. ... I think this is a real plus for Ashland." Frank d'Entremont, director of the volunteer program, officers checked on homes before the program started. However, with their full-time duties, that proved to be a challenge at times, he said. "When it got busy, they couldn't do it," d'Entremont said. "We decided it was important to provide this service. When people go away on vacation, it's nice to have someone keep an eye on their home. When people know the police are checking on a residence, they're more apt to think twice about breaking in." The free service is especially popular in the winter and summer months, when 30 to 60 homes are checked by volunteers, d'Entremont said. The volunteers check the doors and windows of each home, making sure the property is secure. If they find anything suspicious, they immediately call an on-duty officer. "So, we're sort of the eyes and ears of the police department," d'Entremont said. Kip Todd has been checking homes for eight years and is proud to be offering a community service to others. "When people move into town, many are quite surprised we have this service here," Todd said, "and when we tell them there's no charge, they are quite amazed." Many homeowners give a donation, with the money going into the volunteer fund, Todd said. Aside from securing the homes, Todd, an avid gardener, enjoys seeing how people maintain their gardens. "Many of the gardens I've seen are quite interesting and have given me some ideas for my own garden," he said. Since retiring here in 1997, Jack Cole has also been involved in the program. Checking on homes is a great way to get a better sense of what Ashland is all about, he said. "There's a lot of satisfaction in checking on the homes, and people feel things are in good hands when they are gone," Cole said. "It's a great way to contribute to the community and make sure everything is all right." DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams