Submitted by CrimeStoppers of Olympia/Thurston County
The Board of Directors of Olympia/Thurston County Crimestoppers is taking time from regular duties to recognize two people who are leaving the board. Collectively, Geri Thumser and Renee Buell have dedicated more than three decades to fighting crime in the South Puget Sound area and they will be missed for their hard work and inspiration.
Geri Thumser first began work with CrimeStoppers in 1998. Over the years she has served as Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary-Treasurer and Secretary for the organization. She has been a key worker on numerous fund raising activities and has helped to maintain public awareness of the program through participation in community events and the various CrimeStoppers programs.
Renee Buell started her work with CrimeStoppers in 1993 and has served two terms as Board President. She also worked as staff to the organization for several years. Renee has been instrumental in helping to design and organize several different types of fund raising events providing much needed revenue for the reward program and for general operating expenses.
Renee says she will miss working with everyone involved in Olympia/Thurston County CrimeStoppers. “Above all else, my favorite thing about being involved with CrimeStoppers was getting to work with so many great, dedicated people. This has been a rewarding experience and one of the biggest privileges of my life!”
Robbi Wright of the CrimeStoppers Board says Geri and Renee will be missed. “There are people in any community-based organization who selflessly give of themselves. Geri and Renee make the sacrifices to enable CrimeStoppers to do a good job and that makes this a better place to live. That’s a legacy they can be very, very proud of and one that will continue after their retirement from the board.”
Olympia-Thurston County CrimeStoppers is a non-profit organization made up of various law enforcement agencies and dozens of other community partners and volunteers. Established in 1991 the tip line has resulted in the arrest of more than 900 suspects, recovery of more than $1.8-million in stolen property, seizure of more than $7-million worth of illegal drugs and the payout of more than $166-thousand in rewards. Those with information on a crime can call the tip line at 1-800-222-TIPS. To learn more about Olympia-Thurston County CrimeStoppers, please visit http://www.crimebusters.org/
