Getting an education in public service
John and Yvette Mouser are
graduates of both the Citizens Fire Academy and Citizens Police Academy
and are staunch supporters of the city’s public safety officers.
Getting an education in public service
John and Yvette Mouser are
graduates of both the Citizens Fire Academy and Citizens Police Academy
and are staunch supporters of the city’s public safety officers.
John & Yvette Mouser
Five years ago, after hearing about the Citizens
Fire Academy (CFA) through some co-workers, Plano resident Yvette Mouser
decided to sign up. She convinced husband John and daughter Sabrina to
sign up as well. After finishing the academy, the family immediately joined
the academy’s alumni association, Plano Fire Rescue Associates (PFRA),
and volunteered at a variety of events at which the group participates:
the Plano Balloon Festival, city Christmas and Fourth of July parades,
the Very Special Arts Festival, and more.
Then the family learned that Plano also offers a Citizens Police Academy, and in 2001, John, Yvette, Sabrina and the Mousers' son, Travis, signed up for a police academy class.
“The CPA proved to be as much fun as the CFA, and we signed up in its alumni association also,” Yvette said. “The two organizations overlap several of their activities, but in addition to what the PFRA does, the Plano Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (PCPAAA) offers some unique activities, such as being actors in the Shoot-Don’t Shoot scenarios.”
John and Yvette said they do “whatever needs to be done” for both organizations. Yvette often organizes social events, and John photographs most CFA and CPA activities, including students driving patrol cars or scaling a 105-foot aerial ladder. Students receive photo CDs of their group graduation. John also grills hot dogs and hamburgers for many events with both groups, often bringing his own grill to do the cooking.
“Most of the volunteer things Yvette and I do, we do it as a pair,” John said. “I signed up for the CFA with Yvette because it sounded like it would be fun and educational all at the same time. After learning all about what the fire department does for the citizens of Plano, it seems only right to join the Plano Fire Rescue Associates and lend a hand when or wherever it was needed. The CPA gave us a new insight into the Plano Police Department. Wanting to stay involved in this also, we joined the Plano Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association. Before going through the CFA and CPA, we had no idea that these kinds of programs were offered by Plano.”
Yvette currently serves as volunteer coordinator for classroom assistance for the PCPAAA and chairs the group's Sunshine Committee, which allows her to socialize with old and new group members.
With PFRA, John drives the group’s Paramedic Shuttle while Yvette navigates, works the radio and fills out log books. The Paramedic Shuttle allows volunteers to retrieve paramedics from local hospitals and return them to their engine or truck companies, allowing those companies to remain in their districts. Since quick response times are essential in emergencies, remaining within a district allows personnel to respond to emergencies more quickly. The shuttle operates out of any of the ten Plano fire stations and is in operation Thursday nights from 5 - 10 p.m.; Friday nights from 5 - 10 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from noon - 10 p.m.
“John and Yvette Mouser give endless time and energy
to the PFRA,” said Peggy Harrell, Fire Safety Education Coordinator for
the Plano Fire Department. “It is obvious that they enjoy giving back to
their community and especially to the Plano Fire Department. ... It’s obvious
that Yvette loves to be around people and is always willing to help out
no matter how tedious or boring a project might be. I wonder when Yvette
sleeps, because she is always doing for others!”
| Plano Citizens Police Academy
coordinator and instructor Sgt. Frank McElligott agrees. “They are the
people that you can count on to take on the tasks no one else wants or
will make the time to do,” he said. “They invest not only their own time,
but their own money in some projects.” Being involved in so many aspects
of both groups takes much of the Mousers', time, but it’s all worth it,
Yvette said.
“The dust in our house says it all!” Yvette added. “Really! I’d much rather be volunteering than doing housework. We volunteer because we have fun and enjoy it. The people we serve and serve with are outstanding! Have you ever seen a disgruntled volunteer? We are rewarded by the friendships that we have made and continue making. Time? What’s that? If we get to bed before midnight, one of us must be sick! Energy? I have my cereal and vitamins in the morning to get me jump-started!” Volunteering with CFA and CPA has offered John some unique and unforgettable experiences, he added. “Volunteering as the ‘bad guy’ during a hostage negotiation practice session for the police department was an experience!” he said. “Being a ‘casualty’ during one of the weapons of mass destruction drills or a ‘panicked office employee’ headed down the stairwell from the sixth floor of a high-rise office building while the fire department, in full gear, was headed up … it was exciting! Playing the ‘bad guy’ or the ‘good guy,’ for that matter, during the Shoot-Don’t Shoot part of the CPA class is always fun.” John and Yvette encourage would-be volunteers to find a group or activity they are passionate about, and then focus on volunteer experiences within those groups. “People will always find time to do the things they want to do,” Yvette said. “There is nothing more fulfilling than giving of yourself by helping others. Lonely? Volunteering is a great way to meet nice people. Unemployed? It’s great for networking, too. Want to make a difference in the lives of others? It’s a wonderful way to set an example. Your life is ever changing and so are your interests. When our kids were young, we loved being involved in their activities. Now that we are empty nesters, we’ve found so many new interests. Being involved in the community has given us a feeling of belonging to an extended family.” In addition to volunteering for the CFA and CPA, the Mousers are also volunteers with the American Cancer Society and Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas, serve as Key Volunteers for the 14th Marines Regiment Headquarters in Fort Worth, are area coordinators for their neighborhood Crime Watch, and are actively involved in their church. “They help out when they know someone needs help,” Harrell said. “They have been so generous with their time and energy and money. I know of so many times when they have helped a friend or neighbor in need.” Harrell points out that there are always volunteer opportunities available, whether individuals have only a few hours per month or several days a week to offer. “There are so many opportunities to volunteer that require just a little of your time,” Harrell said. “You would be surprised at how much you can benefit yourself when you give just a little time. So many new friendships and relationships can be made.” “You get more than you give when you volunteer,” McElligott added. “It is such a positive experience to help others. We are all busy; we all have other things to do. There is a great saying: ‘If you really want to do something, you will find a way; if not, you’ll find an excuse’.” “If you live or work in Plano, by all means, take four hours out of the week and sign up for either the Citizens Fire Academy or Citizens Police Academy,” John agreed. “It will be worth the effort. How many people do you know that got to drive a police car, ride along with a police officer – in the front seat – for a shift, drive a fire engine, climb a 105-foot ladder, or dismantle a car using the tools that the firemen use? Most important, you will get a chance to meet the people that are responsible for keeping Plano safe. They are a great bunch, and I'm glad that I am able to give a little something back.” “God has given us so many blessings,” Yvette added. “And it is important that we show our thanks by giving of ourselves to help others.” |
|