Village Volunteers
Nearly a decade of service, laughter and love for our Village
Every community has people who make it special. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, we’re fortunate to have two remarkable women who have spent nearly a decade making our Village safer, kinder, and a little brighter.
Meet Deanna Dickman and Diana Wahler, also known as “The D’s”, our Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Captains, married for 25 years, and an inseparable team in service to our community!
❤️ It All Started With a Walk…
In 2017, Deanna was new to Carmel and out for a walk when she encountered VIPS volunteer Joanne Noto. Curious by nature, Deanna asked, “What’s your story?” That simple conversation led her to the Police Department, where she signed up under Detective Lightfoot, one of the original VIPS leaders.
Diana simultaneously joined and the rest is history! When Detective Lightfoot retired, the two stepped into leadership roles as VIPS Captains. As they approach their tenth year of service, their enthusiasm hasn’t faded a bit.
💙 Why Do They Volunteer?
For Diana, it’s about the people. Volunteering gave her an immediate connection to Carmel, its employees, residents, and visitors. She loves hearing people’s stories and knowing she’s making a difference.
Deanna loves those connections, too, but she also enthusiastically mentioned directing traffic (words you will probably never hear me say!). Her natural curiosity has introduced her to fascinating people from around the world.
And if you’re lucky, you might hear their now-famous, two-part harmony rendition of “Happy Birthday.” I’ve heard it, and trust me, it’s fantastic!
🚓 More Than Just Volunteers🌟
When I asked about memorable experiences, both recalled moments when their service made a real difference.
Diana remembered being off duty at the post office when our now-retired CSO Cindi Mitchell showed them a photograph of a missing, at-risk individual. Without hesitation, they jumped into action and located the person walking along Ocean Avenue.
Deanna recalled a day on Scenic Avenue when two emergencies unfolded simultaneously: a traffic collision involving an unwell driver and another individual experiencing breathing difficulties. They divided responsibilities, coordinated assistance, and helped ensure both people received the care they needed.
These stories remind us that being a VIPS isn’t just about wearing a uniform. It’s about having the heart to serve.
🌎 There’s So Much More to Their Story!
Deanna has lived several fascinating professional lives: touring with a singing group, working as a hairdresser, corporate image consultant, insurance agency owner, and psychotherapist in private practice for 20 years! She received her Bachelor of Arts from Azusa Pacific University and her Masters in social work from San Jose State University.
Naturally, she had a therapy joke ready for me:
“How many psychotherapists does it take to change a lightbulb?”
“Only one, but the light bulb has to really want to change.”
She got me. 😂
Diana’s background is equally impressive! A former Sea Scout and collegiate athlete in FIVE sports (field hockey, softball, basketball, track, and rugby), she attended UC Davis and Santa Clara University, earned an MBA in finance and a doctorate in chiropractic from Palmer West. She built a career as a CPA doing taxes and real estate partnerships. and international finance.
And here’s something I certainly didn’t expect: these two have discovered more than 18,000 geocaches around the world! Think of it as a worldwide treasure hunt using GPS coordinates. They love hiking, traveling, reading, and, apparently, finding things the rest of us don’t even know are hidden!
Their volunteerism extends well beyond our department. They’re active with Carmel Cares as “Median Minders” and “Water Wizards,” serve with CERT, and have supported the Neighbors for Neighbors program. They are also active with Carmel’s new Firewise Program in North Carmel.
🌊 What Do They Love Most About Carmel?
For Diana, it’s the friendships and extraordinary spirit of volunteerism. For Deanna, it’s the ocean, the beauty you can experience with every sense, and that same wonderful community spirit.
And their favorite restaurant? Without missing a beat, both answered in near-perfect harmony: “Nora’s!”
💙 A Personal Thank You
Deanna and Diana, what I admire most isn’t simply the countless hours you’ve given our Police Department. It’s the way you’ve made yourselves part of the very fabric of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
You remind us that public safety is about more than responding to emergencies. It’s about relationships, kindness, trust, and showing up for one another.
You have given this community nearly ten years of your time, your talents, your laughter, and your hearts. We are better because of you.
Thank you both for helping make Carmel-by-the-Sea the extraordinary place we call home.
Chief Todd Trayer
Carmel-by-the-Sea Police
Department
💙 Our VIPS Spotlight series celebrates the incredible volunteers who serve our community, one remarkable story at a time.