Ron Boron
 a life of volunteerism
for worthwhile causes

Back in August 2003, an event took place that will forever be etched in our memories. A Multi-state power blackout brought life as we know it to a halt. However, there was a bright side. Community members worked along side concerned citizens to establish comfort stations, distribute bottled water, and provide timely information while doing their best to maintain public services.

Thanks to the work of many volunteers, life moved forward.

Novi’s Ron Boron has spent the majority of his life volunteering for worthwhile endeavors. After attending Wayne State, he managed a drug store for 5 years, but even then, in his free time, he became a volunteer for the Detroit Police Department following the 1967 riots. At the time, the department was looking for civilian volunteers and Mr. Boron became involved in the STRESS Program (Stop the Robbed, Enjoy Safe Streets). It was clear that civic duty, and volunteerism, was in his blood.

Soon his role expanded. Because the department was look for more ‘eyes and ears’ on the street, his job morphed into the Detroit Police Reserves.

Volunteering for extracurricular duty became a part of Ron Boron’s life. In 1995, he became president of the Novi Homeowner’s Association. And in his professional career, he became the President of the Association of Pharmaceutical Salesman of Southeast Michigan, overseeing 250 salespeople.

He also found time to become a board member for housing development. However, perhaps his most critical role has become one he cherishes very much. He is the CERT Team Leader for the City of Novi. CERT stands for ‘Community Emergency Response Team.’ CERT has been in Michigan for about 5 years, but the Novi chapter was just formulated in early 2006.

“We assist the city in emergency situations,” Boron stated. “We are not policemen, but we are activated by the Chief of Police when deemed necessary.”

As part of CERT’s community involvement, they were involved with the “movies not drugs” program at the Emagine Theatre, and they help during the ‘Ringing in the Holidays’ Parade on Main St. by working to keep kids safe and out of harms way.

The CERT Novi Chapter now boasts 40 members and they acknowledge that given the conditions of the world we live in today, you never know what can happen next. As such, the Novi City Council approved $18,000 to establish CERT for Novi, and under Ron Boron’s leadership, they are learning disaster preparedness skills and to prepare for hazards that could affect our community.

In addition, the first Novi CERT class began in September. It included classroom instruction, and a disaster exercise at Novi High School. Volunteers like Ron Boron help to make new and exciting concepts like this a reality for Novi citizens.

“I believe that volunteerism is a major part of a person’s makeup and when you give back to the community, you give to yourself within”

Ron Boron truly, has lived his words, through his actions for his entire life.