Currently serving as Night Watch Commander, Loriaux’s illustrious career has spanned everything from traffic officer to field training officer, a Special Weapons Assault Team (SWAT) Commander to detective, to Lieutenant heading up the Community Partnerships division, working in partnership with the Office of Neighborhoods on implementing key elements of the 2001 Community Building and Engagement Initiative (of which FremontOnline is a direct result).

One of the strategies for increasing community engagement was through holding two city-wide community summits. The first summit came on the heels of 9-11 and proved to be a very healing event that drew over 300 residents who took comfort and strength in deepening their connections to one another. The next year. more than 500 grassroots leaders and activists attended. Erwin credits his work on the 2002 Summit as the catalyst for increasing his own community involvement.

“The 2002 Summit focused on community service organizations, which have a rich tradition of serving others,” he explained. “I had also recently attended Command College, and bumped into a friend who was President of the San Jose Exchange Club. After the Summit, I realized it was time to put up or shut up.”

Put up, he did. It wasn’t enough to join one of the many existing service organizations. Erwin had caught the Exchange Fever. Established in 1911, the Exchange Club appealed to him for many reasons. Its focus on child abuse and crime prevention, patriotism, and community service struck a chord, and he was excited about getting in on the ground floor of a charter club.

“We had just finished two sessions of the Citizen Police Academy and I felt like I had a ready pool of excellent candidates for membership.” He wasn’t disappointed.

The club chartered in February, 2003 and in one year’s time, the Fremont Exchange Club has made its presence known throughout the community.

“Our Club is made up of good people who are enthusiastic and fun. We have a new, fresh perspective, and are making an impact.”

Club members have participated in Relay for Life and a Breast Cancer Walk, the 2003 Fourth of July Parade ( winning two awards for their float), Make a Difference Day, and recently adopted a route for Meals-On-Wheels. Activities they have hosted included a luncheon where they bestowed community service awards to the Firefighter, Police Officer, Volunteer and Teacher of the Year, and the first Annual Black Tie and Tennis Shoes Ball. Held in November, this whimsically elegant affair raised monies for the Fremont Teen Center, the Fremont Senior Center and S.A.V.E. (Shelter Against Violent Environments). The Club also awarded their first WAMY (Woman and Man of the Year) Awards to Gaby Machuca and Dirk Lorenz.

“During the next year, we plan to start a student scholarship fund and possibly a Good Samaritan Award. We are also planning a blood drive in conjunction with the City, and we are going to have a Bocci Ball Tournament, challenging other service clubs to help raise money for charities.”

Erwin clearly sees his work in the Exchange Club as an extension and a complement to his professional career. “In law enforcement, you are often exposed to the worst things in life. I became a police officer to help people, and I still believe in it. I am want to help the very young and the elderly, who touch my heart the most.”

He stresses that not only do the other members of the Club share his dedication and commitment to helping others, but they have retained a sense of optimistic joy and fun. These qualities are also found in his lovely wife of twelve years, Diane.

Erwin met Diane through his best friend, who took him to a singles function, arranged by Diane, that his fiancé would be attending. “I met my best friend’s fiancé, and my future fiancé that night.”

Erwin and Diane are both active in their church. Erwin is on the Board of Trustees and in charge of Men’s Ministries, and both he and Diane sing in the Choir. They have three daughters, one granddaughter, and a menagerie of dogs, cat, guinea pig and macaw. It is a full and happy life, built on their faith and commitment to service, and to one another.