8/22/23 Longtime Volunteer in Policing Honored

In a surprise promotional ceremony, VIPs Executive Director Lorna Illingworth was pleased to promote Larry Soden to Captain of the Volunteers in Policing program! Captain Soden was also honored by FPD Chief Dupee and Deputy Chief Sweet with the Citizen Service Medal for his nearly 30 years of service to the Fairbanks Police Department and in recognition of his countless hours of volunteering as a member of Volunteers in Policing. Captain Soden joined the department in his role as a VIP shortly after his son, retired FPD Lt. Matt Soden, became an officer in the 90’s. Over the years he has consistently been involved in outreach programs, criminal investigations, missing persons searches, and traffic support, all in support of the mission of the Fairbanks Police Department.

What has kept him around for so long? According to Capt. Soden, it’s a family thing. “No matter what you’re doing for this department, whether it’s an event or traffic control, you have family here to back you up. To me, FPD is about family and I’ve always been made to feel part of that family.”

Soden was also presented with a Certificate of Achievement from the Alaska Division of Homeland Security for his years of volunteering in the Fairbanks community.

Congratulations, Capt. Soden! We are honored to have you on our team!