Volunteer Spotlight: Vicki L. Coss, Overton South Code Blue

Tell us a little about yourself.

I retired after 40 years with IRS as a senior manager and senior program analyst. … I worked in New Orleans; Puerto Rico; Aberdeen; Boston; Nashville; Washington, D.C., (my favorite); Times Square Manhattan; and DFW.

I have two great children and four grandchildren living in Fort Worth. They are a great joy in my life, and I’m so glad to be back in Texas.

How long have you been volunteering with the City of Fort Worth?

I’m on my second year as the captain of Overton South Code Blue group. I started a brand-new Code Blue COP (Citizens on Patrol) group in the Overton South neighborhood (King 18 beat) March 2025, where I grew up.

What are your main volunteer duties?

I train new members, complete reports, provide templates, serve as a base operator and provide administrative support to my West Division Coordinator.

I’m extremely active with community service events as the unofficial photographer for the West Division. I attend all crime prevention events with our specialist to photograph the event and often participate in the events.

I enjoy designing and creating newsletters, invitations, PowerPoints, Excel and Word documents.

What inspired you to start volunteering?

My whole life I have volunteered for activities, events and taking a leadership role. It is fulfilling to spread the joy, support and impact to the community I serve. I will always volunteer to fill my life and give back to the community.

I’ve been very blessed in my life. I must volunteer to bring value, take advantage of opportunities and help others when I can. There is no better way to enjoy retirement than to give back to others.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering?

Creative freedom. It takes minimal effort to make a huge impact on someone’s life, and you can get as much out of it as you desire. The sky is the limit on volunteering opportunities, and it can be all that you imagine it to be. I love it!

Describe a favorite memory or moment from your time as a volunteer.

My favorite moment from my time as a COP volunteer was being recognized with the Rookie of the Year pin by the Fort Worth Police Department’s West Division. What an honor to know that all the efforts, commitment and support you give is acknowledged.

How has volunteering impacted your life or perspective?

Volunteering has changed my life because I’m super fulfilled. I cannot imagine my life without having a full calendar, networking opportunities or preparing action plans for events.

All the skills I used in my career are applied in all duties, media and partnerships with Code Blue sponsors. Volunteering is fun and I love to reel in other volunteers.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?

Volunteering will absolutely build community strength, forge stakeholder partnerships with safety programs and result in huge benefit to your neighborhood.

The National Night Out annual event is a tremendous opportunity to partner with the neighborhood to strengthen safety, build relationships and increase networking with our first responders. I work with sponsors to facilitate this event and deliver a multi-month action plan (food, outreach materials, donations, raffles).

What do you enjoy in your spare time when you’re not volunteering?

My hobbies are cake decorating (weddings, events, etc.), ceramics and crafts. I’m very active in my church, St. Andrew Catholic Church, with the Angel Tree, events, Social Committee and administration.

Visit the volunteer website today to browse our programs and learn how you can invest in your community and invest in yourself.

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