Shaq To Volunteer For Tempe Police Department
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 4:43 am
Criminals beware - Shaq Attack is headed to a town near you.
Tempe police confirmed Phoenix Suns All-Star Shaquille O'Neal is set to become a volunteer with the Tempe Police Department, department spokeswoman Sgt. Cindy Davies said Tuesday.
"It's very nice when we get people to volunteer and Shaq has been such a leader in our community," Davies said.
O'Neal, acquired by the Phoenix Suns in a trade in February, visited the police station March 20 and filled out an application to be a volunteer, according to Davies.
Davies added that she didn't know if the Suns center planned to start volunteering during the basketball season or why he chose Tempe.
``I imagine he's probably busy,'' Davies said. ``But if his schedule allows it, we're not going to turn him away and say 'Oh no, it's basketball season, you need to go to the games.'''
Police department volunteers assist in a range of activities, from handing out flyers to acting as an interpreter.
O'Neal, acquired from the Miami Heat on Feb. 6, would be given a volunteer assignment based on how the skills he could provide fit with the department's current needs, Davies said.
O'Neal previously served as a reserve officer with the Miami Beach Police Department while playing for the Heat.
``Certainly we're very grateful he's going to be volunteering and giving back to the community,'' Davies said. ``It's fantastic for such a leader like him.''
Davies said the department won't have to special order him a uniform because Tempe police volunteers typically wear polo shirts.
"It's just so great to see somebody like Shaq coming to volunteer and help out with the community," Davies said. "He's such a leader and we hope others can follow in his footsteps."
http://www.ktar.com/sports/?nid=21&sid=773526
Tempe police confirmed Phoenix Suns All-Star Shaquille O'Neal is set to become a volunteer with the Tempe Police Department, department spokeswoman Sgt. Cindy Davies said Tuesday.
"It's very nice when we get people to volunteer and Shaq has been such a leader in our community," Davies said.
O'Neal, acquired by the Phoenix Suns in a trade in February, visited the police station March 20 and filled out an application to be a volunteer, according to Davies.
Davies added that she didn't know if the Suns center planned to start volunteering during the basketball season or why he chose Tempe.
``I imagine he's probably busy,'' Davies said. ``But if his schedule allows it, we're not going to turn him away and say 'Oh no, it's basketball season, you need to go to the games.'''
Police department volunteers assist in a range of activities, from handing out flyers to acting as an interpreter.
O'Neal, acquired from the Miami Heat on Feb. 6, would be given a volunteer assignment based on how the skills he could provide fit with the department's current needs, Davies said.
O'Neal previously served as a reserve officer with the Miami Beach Police Department while playing for the Heat.
``Certainly we're very grateful he's going to be volunteering and giving back to the community,'' Davies said. ``It's fantastic for such a leader like him.''
Davies said the department won't have to special order him a uniform because Tempe police volunteers typically wear polo shirts.
"It's just so great to see somebody like Shaq coming to volunteer and help out with the community," Davies said. "He's such a leader and we hope others can follow in his footsteps."
http://www.ktar.com/sports/?nid=21&sid=773526