Sun City Security Patrol recognized by city

By Jeff O'Brien

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008 | midnight

The 230 volunteer members of the Sun City Summerlin Security Patrol keep a vigilant eye on their community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

At the Sept. 3 meeting of the Las Vegas City Council, Mayor Oscar Goodman and Councilman Larry Brown presented the security patrol with the Citizens of the Month award. More than 40 members of the team were on hand to receive it.

The patrol began 18 years ago with a staff of only 20 members.

"Their mission is very simple," Brown said. "They are the eyes and ears of their community. They are very active, very involved and very aware of what's going on."

Jerry Solomon, chief of the Sun City Summerlin Security Patrol, said he and his staff are very proud of the award. Solomon has served as chief since 1997.

"We have quite a few ex-military and former police officers on our staff, but we also have some people who never worked law enforcement," Solomon said. "It's a variety of people who just care for the neighborhood."

The Sun City Summerlin Security Patrol's main office is at 10362 Sun City Boulevard, in the back of the Desert Vista Community Center's parking lot.

Each shift typically involves one dispatcher and four patrol vehicles making their rounds.

Not only does the security patrol look out for suspicious activity within the community, Brown said, but members also keep an eye on empty homes while residents are on vacation.

"It's neighbors caring for neighbors," Brown said. "They are setting a new standard for a neighborhood watch."

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or [email protected].