CHRISTINA EICHELKRAUT / PVT Volunteer Homeland Reserve Unit Team Leader Ken Godwin, holding a plaque thanking him for his service to the organization, stands with members J.J. Lynch, left, Frank Mauzio, and Paul Wagner. Advertisement

The Volunteer Homeland Reserve Unit, a group of retired law enforcement officers who offer auxiliary assistance to law enforcement in times of emergency, recently bid farewell to Ken Godwin, a long-time member of the organization.

Godwin, who has lived in Pahrump for six years, was a team leader for Pahrump members of the VHRU.

The organization said goodbye over breakfast at Terrible's Lakeside to thank him for all his work in the organization, including being active in a program that gives restored or donated bikes to people who need transportation but can't drive.

Godwin is heading home to Yukon, Okla. to help take care of friends and family.

"I love it here," Godwin said of Pahrump. "I enjoyed being a part of the VHRU. They're a good bunch of guys of gals."

Godwin said he still plans to be active in the organization and promised to come back out to Nevada for meetings every so often.

The VHRU, in addition to offering assistance in emergencies, also has a number of philanthropic programs that help the community.

In addition to the aforementioned bike program, the group also adopts a family every Christmas.

The VHRU is always looking for new members.

Potential members must be retired law enforcement officers from a federal, state, or local agency and undergo a background check.

More information about the VHRU can be found on its Web site at www.VHRU.com.