AARP Fraud Volunteer Recognized for Service

As a retired IT specialist, William April has an insider’s understanding of computer security. And for the past six years, he has taken that expertise—along with his big smile and booming voice—on the road for AARP Vermont, delivering fraud prevention presentations to groups across the state.

For that and his other volunteer work, the 74-year-old Waterbury resident has been named AARP Vermont’s winner of the 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service. The award, announced at a volunteer luncheon in October, recognizes a volunteer who makes a significant impact in their community.

“It’s my way of giving back,” April says of his volunteer work.

He retired in 2016 from his job managing the employee help desk at the Central Vermont Medical Center, in the Montpelier area. He’s served on AARP’s fraud team since 2018, says Laura McDonough, who helps manage the organization’s fraud work and is associate state director for communications. April has taken on a leadership role on the fraud team in recent years and works on the advocacy team.

“His willingness to help in all of the areas that really matter has just made him really stand out this year,” McDonough says—whether it’s meeting with legislators, working at shredding events or helping other members with technology issues.

But his real skill, she says, may be his theatrical style and his ability to command a room.

“His ability to connect with the audience ... it’s just incredible,” she says. “He’s fabulous with presenting about [computer tech scams] and telling real-life scenarios that he’s seen and helped with.”

April’s wife, Susan, is also an AARP volunteer, and they often work as a team at events. For more, visit aarp.org/vt.

—Michelle Cerulli McAdams