313 Taproom was bustling Saturday afternoon as Munster residents gathered for food, drinks, and a good cause—supporting the Munster Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS). The Munster Junior Woman’s Club organized the event to raise funds for equipment that will help the volunteers do their job.
VIPS fundraiser attendees enjoying food, drink and good company.
Attendees enjoyed pizza, chili, and desserts while purchasing raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes.
Munster Juniors member Debbie Wargo said the group organized the event after learning that budget cuts could leave VIPS without essential gear to perform their duties effectively.
“The VIPS volunteers help out in ways many people don’t realize,” Wargo said. “They conduct vacation checks on homes while residents are away, assist with traffic control and event safety—services that are vital to the community.”
VIPS members also assist with funeral services and stranded motorists, providing critical support within the police department, according to Munster Police Chief Steve Scheckel.
“By alleviating uniformed officers of some of these tasks, it allows the officers to remain on the street and visible to the public, and available for more serious calls for service,” Scheckel said. “The officers really appreciate the assistance provided by the VIPS and cherish their friendships that are cultivated by working together as a team.”
Connie Karras, a VIPS volunteer for the past year, has seen firsthand the program’s impact on Munster.
VIPS Volunteers Connie Karras, Dan Cebulski and James Jones pose with Munster PD Chief Steve Sheckel, Lt. Dan Broelmann, Sergeant James Ghrist, WJOB’s Jim Dedelow, Dave Kusiak and Councilmen Joe Hofferth and George Shinkan.
“It brings people together to care for the community, and VIPS serve as extra eyes and ears for the police department,” Karras said. “I’m grateful to be part of this program and a resident of Munster.”
For more information about the Munster Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service Program, contact Lieutenant Dan Broelmann at 219-836-6650 or dbroelmann@munster.org.
