Tom Hoof joined Crime Solvers in September of 1985, less than one year after the organization was formed. Major Jim Bourque, who began the organization under the leadership of then-police chief Colonel Pittman and who still leads it today, hand-picked Tom to join the Crime Solvers Board of Directors.

Asked why he chose Tom, Major Bourque responded, "Tom is a very moral, law and order kind of guy who likes challenges. If you picture the Board of Directors as a crown, Tom Hoof is the center piece jewel in that crown."

Tom says that Crime Solvers appealed to him for a number of reasons. "It isn't a 'big brother' type of organization," he stated when reached at the Crime Solvers office for comment. "It's regular citizens who can become involved without fear of retribution, in providing tips that will ultimately help their community and keep it safe."

In fact, it was helping his community that appealed to Tom the most. He still believes strongly in the concept of Crime Solvers. He enjoys helping others, and he brings to the Board strong work ethics and a strong marketing and sales background that helps the organization in fund-raising activities.

When he first joined Crime Solvers, Tom was a full-time employee at ADP and did more than his share of traveling. Since most of the Board members were also working full-time, it was Tom's suggestion that they meet monthly at 7:30 in the morning, before their normal workdays began, a practice that continues to this day.

He has served as President of the Board of Directors three times: in 1993, in 2001, and in 2002. He has also served as Vice President and as Treasurer. In fact, he was Treasurer for four years before becoming Vice President and eventually working his way up to the President's position.

Since retiring from ADP in 1997, Tom estimates that he spends 30 hours a month or more working with Crime Solvers. He has also recruited a number of others into joining the Board and contributing their time and efforts toward Crime Solvers and common goals.

His ideas have included getting businesses to sponsor the "Crime of the Week" segments that air on television and radio, and the stickers that you may have seen on various business windows throughout Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights, indicating business support and sponsorship of Crime Solvers and advertising the tips hotline. Tom was also on the committee that initiated the slogan contest that eventually led to the slogan "Take the Time to Solve the Crime".

One of the things he's proudest of is the establishment of the Hulon L. Willis, Sr. Award, which is given to the outstanding Crime Solvers Board volunteer of the year. He came up with the idea to remember an individual who was on the Crime Solvers Board who had died of leukemia. "Hulon Willis was one of the most impressive men that I ever met in my lifetime," Tom says. "He was a martial arts expert nationally known and a Coach at Virginia State University. He trained police officers nationally in martial arts. Very much respected and admired. He was also the first African-American to receive a graduate degree from William & Mary." Hulon Willis was 67 years old when he died on June 13, 1989. To this day, the Hulon L. Willis, Sr. Award is given annually. 

And what does Tom see as the future direction of Crime Solvers? He'd love to see more public awareness of the triangle that makes up the success of Crime Solvers - the effort between citizens, police, and the media. Without any one of those vital pieces, the program would not be as effective as it is.

He would also like to see more schools become involved in Crime Solvers. Manchester High School was the first school in Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights to initiate a scholastic Crime Solvers program. Since then, 18 schools have joined and more will be included in the 2002-2003 school year.

Perhaps most of all, he'd like to see more citizens join Crime Solvers. The organization needs more good leaders from the community, from all walks of life, people who are willing to volunteer their time to an excellent organization that can really make a difference in the quality of life in our community.

And from the rest of the Crime Solvers "family", we wish to thank Tom Hoof for all the years of service, the time, the energy, and the effort he has put into Crime Solvers to help make it the success it is today.