CityView Magazine

40 | September/October 2016 giving Todd Joyce Lieutenant at Fayetteville Police Department Q: Where are you from? A: Fayetteville. Q: How do you volunteer/give back? A: I've worked with our Great Oaks Youth program as a reading buddy for kids. It's al- most like you become family with some of those children. I've also volunteered pack- ing meals for children when they get out of school on a Friday aernoon. Just staple items, and those are the only things they're going to have Friday aernoon, Saturday and Sunday. To see that, it will bring you to your knees. Hearts of Gold BY ERIN PESUT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW WONDERLY Q: What is special about giving back as a police officer? A: Being police officers, we try to help as many folks as possible. You probably have no idea how many officers give up their time and their money to help folks, and they do not want any recog- nition for it. ey do it out of the good- ness of their heart. It amazes me when we receive those stories and people ask, "Hey, can you tell me who this officer is? I want to tell you what they've done for me," and the person says, "I don't want anybody to know about it." Q: What are issues close to your heart? A: Kids and family are very special to me. So, when you see those things and they're broken, I want to do everything I can to fix it. Unfortunately in times of this job, you can see the dynamics of a family sometimes torn apart. What's very important to me is to hopefully establish some type of normalcy in that child's life, so they are reassured that there are people out there who care about them. Q: What do you love about Fayetteville? A: Fayetteville is my hometown. I was born and raised here. When I came on with the Police Department almost 15 years ago, I got to work in the same community where I grew up. I know so many people and it helps me accom- plish so much. I'm very thankful. It's special to me because it's home. Elizabeth Scott 11th grader at Massey Hill Classical High School Q: Where are you from? A: Fayetteville/Erwin Q: How do you volunteer or give back? A: I am very involved in my church and a volunteer coach with the Cumberland County Special Olympic Equestrian Team. I also take care of the horses that are used for the team. Q: Why do you think giving back is so important? A: I believe you can only truly be a member of your community if you are involved on a very personal level, especially if you have a gi or talent or resources that can benefit others. My parents taught me at a very young age that you should be willing to share the things that you are grateful for. Q: What issues are close to your heart? A: Equality. Helping these athletes feel more equal by gaining the ability to ride a horse is very special to me. Q: What is the best part about giving back? A: For me, it's the look on the faces of our athletes when they accomplish something they never thought they could do! Q: What is your favorite thing about Fayetteville? A: It is my home, and my family is here. How your Fayetteville neighbors give back Generally CityView explores organizations and teams who are giving back and making our community better, stronger and more resilient. This issue, we decided to celebrate you and the many ways your Fayetteville neighbors and friends—from police officers to high school students, judges to retired military—are making a difference.

• Cover