Jim Riley, a Citrus College alumnus and member of the Citrus Alumni and Friends Association, was selected to receive the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award.
A retired police officer who was named the 2011 Glendora Citizen of the Year, Mr. Riley is well known for his volunteer efforts with numerous local nonprofits, organizations and events.
Born and raised in Glendora, Mr. Riley graduated from Citrus College in 1965 and served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, leaving with the rank of specialist. He later received a Bachelor of Science in Police Management degree from Pepperdine University in 1974 before attending the University of Southern California where he obtained a Master of Public Administration degree in 1980.
In 1968, Mr. Riley joined the Glendora Police Department. He started as a patrol officer before moving into the investigations bureau. He retired as a lieutenant in 1999. While there, Mr. Riley was also involved with the department's Santa Visits program, where the police department worked with other Glendora groups to set up visits from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
In addition to being named Officer of the Year by his peers in 1978, Mr. Riley was also involved with the Glendora Police Explorer Post 402 which teaches teens about the department and what is needed to pursue a career in law enforcement. Some of the explorers Mr. Riley worked with later went on to join the police department.
With the Citrus Alumni and Friends Association, Mr. Riley is best known for his volunteer efforts. He was involved in the Harmonica for Vets fundraiser, which was sponsored by the Citrus Alumni and Friends Association in conjunction with the Citrus College Foundation and the college's Veterans Success Center. The harmonicas were donated by the Wilkinson family to raise money for the Veterans Success Center. Mr. Riley sold several cases of harmonicas and promoted the fundraiser with local community organizations.
Known for his dedication, professionalism and willingness to lend a hand, Mr. Riley has also volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America. With the group, he served in various positions on the local, district, council and national levels.
Mr. Riley also volunteered on the Relay for Life of Glendora and San Dimas committee. Relay for Life events which raise money for the American Cancer Society are held across the United States and in more than two dozen other countries.
Mr. Riley is also a member and former president of the Glendora Historical Society. He has also served as a docent for Rubel Castle, a monumental folk architecture site nestled in the foothills of Glendora.
Mr. Riley's story was originally featured in the program for the 104th Citrus College Commencement.