For 20 plus years Debbie Conard has been a volunteer contributing countless hours for the Richardson Fire Department. She is on call 24/7 as part of the Fire 1 Rehab Team which supports firefighters during large fires or extended fire department call-outs. She leads the photography team and responds to structure fires where she captures moments of firefighters saving property and life. These images serve as a work history for the RFD. They decorate the walls at headquarters and fire stations throughout the city and are cherished by firefighters and their families. Every year she represents the Fire Department working many hours at city events such as Wildflower, 4th of July, Fountain Festival, Trash Bash, and Santa’s Village. She was a member of the Citizen Fire Academy (CFA) Class 9. Upon completion, she joined the CFA Alumni Association, serving as President for several years and is still active. Debbie also volunteers for 10 weeks every year to the Citizen Fire Academy. In addition, she volunteers through the RFD to assist the Richardson Office of Emergency Preparedness prepare packets of emergency information to hand out to citizens at community events.

The Richardson Police Department has benefitted from Debbie’s volunteer work for over 18 years, completing the Citizen Police Academy (CPA) with Class 25 and followed up by serving on the board for the CPA Alumni Association. She assists with special events such as National Night Out, Safety Fairs, photography for the CPA classes along with other duties.

Her volunteerism that began decades ago reaches beyond Richardson. For many years she volunteered at the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children where she engaged the patients with crafts, books and games. As a side-walker for Equest, an equestrian therapeutic riding program, she helped prepare the horses, provided physical support, and offered encouragement for children with diverse needs. Debbie currently lends a hand for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, which honors fallen firefighters and police officers lost in the 9/11 attacks. She is a photographer for Honor Flight, a program that pays tribute and gratitude to veterans in several ways including a flight to Washington D.C. to visit the nation’s memorials.

Those who know and work with her describe Debbie as humble and sincere with a large capacity in her heart for giving. She never wants recognition or accolades. These characteristics are the essence of a Richardson Real Hero.

It’s hard to know where to start with this gentleman whose Richardson volunteer work stretches for many decades and crosses multiple organizations. At 91 years young, Sandy has given a great deal of himself to serve the Richardson community.

For almost 17 years, Sandy has been a dedicated member of Richardson Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS). He completed the Richardson Citizen Police Academy Class 25 and later served on the board of the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA). Sandy remains active in the CPAAA, participating in fundraisers, flipping burgers for RPD officer and dispatching meals.

In 2015 he accepted the invitation to dust off his trombone and try out for the Richardson Community Band (RCB). He didn’t just join, he jumped headfirst into leadership! He currently plays a dual role as musician and as the RCB President. This involves scheduling and running monthly board meetings as well as day-to-day planning. In addition to the RCB, he also plays with the Allen Community Band, New Kings of Swing, and the New Horizons Band, performing jazz and big band classics for the Richardson and other Senior Centers, retirement homes, community fairs, and the Dallas VA Hospital.

Sandy has been an integral part of the Building English Skills Together (BEST) program at Woodcreek Church, Richardson. He is a co-teacher for English classes as well as the Citizenship class primary teacher. “You just don’t find a volunteer with a heart any bigger than Sandy Lauder.” writes Kay Hurley, director of BEST.

A resident of Richardson’s Fairways of Sherrill Park for 33 years, Sandy didn’t stop there. He became involved with the Homeowners Association acting as its President as well as serving on the board. He remains engaged as a member and coordinator of RPD’s Crime Watch Patrol.

Like many outstanding volunteers, Sandy’s service arms extend beyond Richardson. For 20 years, he has been a DFW Airport Ambassador, greeting international guests and answering questions. “He has been a superhero coming to the aid of millions of travelers through his service. He is kind and helpful to all who work around him,” writes Customer Programs Coordinator Cristina Fraker of DFW Airport, “and he rarely misses a shift”.

At age 88, Sandy rode his bicycle 100 miles in the “Great Cycle Challenge” to raise money to fight children’s cancer. At age 91, he credits his longevity to “staying positive and volunteering.” In his own words, “it’s never too late to enjoy life and serve your fellow man”.