Even with approximately 2,000 sworn members, the Calgary Police Service (CPS) is unable to be in all places at all times.
Reliable volunteers, including 87-year-old John Hornach, contribute their time to ensure Calgarians remain safe.
In 1980, the CPS began asking for citizen volunteers and Hornach was one of the first to step to the plate.
“They started a program and called it community radio watch,” recalls Hornach. “That was a very good diversion for me on weekends because we only did this on weekends.”
After more than a decade of donating his time to the force, Hornach was asked to join a new endeavor called the Business Liaison Program (BLP).
A number of local merchants had expressed their concerns with counterfeit money. With help from the RCMP, the Bank of Canada, and the U.S. Treasury Department, Hornach secured fake currency and hosted seminars to teach retail staff and owners how to spot legitimate cash.
While the classes worked for large store and banks, many of the owners of Calgary’s small community stores were unable to commit the time to attend. Hornach solved the dilemma by taking the training course outside of the classroom.
“I decided I would bring it to the momma and poppa stores,” explains Hornach. “I would call on them and I would bring my counterfeit bills with me.”
Sergeant Pete Barker is in charge of the BLP for District 8 in the city's south end. Barker says he's inspired by the way 87-year-old Hornach contributes to the community.
“He still draws on that energy and inspiration and desire to go out, to want to the job” explains Barker. “For me, as a business liaison coordinator and for us as a service, it's inspiring.”
CPS volunteer John Hornach is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.
With files from CTV's Darrel Janz
