By Sara Beth Williams–
The City of Citrus Heights awarded the inaugural Chip-In Hall of Fame Award to Janet Harry for her extensive volunteering over the past nine years with the Citrus Heights Police Department during a ceremony held on April 23.
“Janet has volunteered with the police department since 2016, and her calming presence and dedication earned her this well-deserved honor,” the city wrote on social media.
2025 marked the launch of the first-ever Chip-In Hall of Fame Award volunteer recognition program, created to celebrate residents who make a meaningful impact in the community, the city said. A nomination period began in mid-March, and all nominees were invited to a Volunteer Appreciation Week reception on April 23.
The award recipient was chosen anonymously by a panel of community leaders and city staff, based on submitted nominations.
Other nominees included former City Councilmember Albert Fox, animal rescuer and activist Melissa Hayden, former Planning Commissioner Natalee Price, and REACH president Kathy Morris. Several additional volunteers were nominated for their work supporting the Citrus Heights Police Department, identifying and reporting blight, and assisting with community events at the Citrus Heights Event Center.
Nominees were also recognized during the City Council meeting on April 23, where councilmembers thanked them and emphasized the value of community volunteerism. Vice Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff described volunteers as “force-for-good multipliers” and expressed gratitude for their service.
“This award honors individuals who embody our Citrus Heights Cares initiative by ‘Chipping In’—whether through beautification efforts, acts of kindness, or dedicated volunteerism,” the city stated.
The city first recognized Volunteer Appreciation Week with a proclamation in 1997, and has since recognized and celebrated volunteers in various ways, the city said.
