JOYCE RICKARD -- UP CLOSE

AGE: 51

FAMILY STATUS: Widowed, mother of one daughter at UCLA and one son at

Cal State Fullerton

JOB DESCRIPTION: Support for police, dispatch, jail, interfacing with

probation, parol and the court. Customer service at its best.

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: Having a colorblind home where prejudices are

left at the door; a home open for anyone who needs a safe haven

PERSONAL MOTTO: One person can make a difference.

MOST HUMBLING MOMENT: When my late husband gave me diamond earrings, I

told him we couldn’t afford them; his reply, “Why, aren’t you worth it?”

GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: Sending flowers to friends

MOST INFLUENTIAL BOOK: “Healing the Child Within,” by Dr. Charles L.

Whitfield

CASSETTE OR CD IN CAR: None. I listen to news radio.

MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: My friendships

WHAT I CAN COOK: Pies and anything that can feed a lot of people

LAST CHARITABLE ACT: Allowing all my “kids” to go grocery shopping in

my pantry

WHAT’S IN MY CAR RIGHT NOW: An engagement gift, a baby gift, some

Christmas gifts I’m hiding from my kids (don’t tell ‘em!), and three bags

of potting soil

WORST IDEA I EVER HAD: “Sure, I’ve got an extra room . . . you can

stay with me for a while.”

WHO ARE MY HEROES?: My parents, Lee and Bessie Crouch, who taught me

morals, ethics and humanity. My daughter, Leann, who taught me tenacity.

And everyone who is, or has, served as front-line protectors of this

country.

MY FAVORITE ESCAPE FROM REALITY: Reading, gardening and spending time

with my kids

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD IF I COULD: That education

would be a priority so that everyone can realize the potential within

themselves

WHAT I DISLIKE MOST ABOUT MY APPEARANCE: My short legs . . . if I were

taller, I’d have more distribution area.

I HAVE A DREAM THAT: I will have been instrumental in establishing the

ripple effect of unassuming aid and kindness in the lives of the people

who have paused a moment or two in my doorway

CONTACT: Huntington Beach Police Department, 2000 Main St., Huntington

Beach, CA 92648; (714) 536-5600.