Warren Arnold, a.k.a. "Warren the bike guy," has been commended by the Lompoc Police Department (LPD) for his 30 years of service as a volunteer.
Arnold, who served into his 90s, began volunteering with the Lompoc Police Department on Oct. 9, 1995, right after retiring from teaching biology for the Lompoc Unified School District.
"Instead of taking it easy, he chose to spend his time with us. Which says a lot about his character -- and maybe a little about his sense of adventure," said Police Chief Kevin Martin, who presented Arnold with his award.
Every Friday afternoon, Arnold would show up at the LPD to register bicycles for Lompoc residents.
"If you have ever had a bicycle registered here at the LPD, you surely got to meet Warren," Martin said.
But, Arnold didn't just log bikes; he went the extra mile. He researched bikes officers found out in the field, tracked down their owners, and made sure new officers knew how to fill out the bicycle forms correctly.
And if they didn't? Warren would very politely, but very firmly, make sure they did.
Throughout the decades, Arnold did just about everything as a volunteer. He helped with Neighborhood Watch, secured crime scenes, directed traffic, gave tours of the department, and answered phones during big storms.
"You name it, he stepped up. He was the steady, dependable presence we could always count on," Martin said.
"The amazing part of this is that Warren served into his 90s, always ready to help," the LPD said. "You could find him in Community Services or by the bike rack, doing what he did best. And if we really wanted to see Warren smile? We just had to bring him a chocolate doughnut."
Warren's loyalty, energy, and heart left a lasting mark on our department and our city," Martin said. "He set the gold standard for what it means to serve your community -- with kindness, humor, and dedication beyond measure."