The Ramona Sheriff\u2019s substation is recruiting seniors to be part of its Volunteer Sheriff\u2019s Patrol (VSP) program. <\/p>\n
Volunteers can make a difference in the community by serving the San Diego County Sheriff\u2019s Department, said VSP member Danna Atkins. The program adds another layer to law enforcement by being an \u201cadditional set of eyes and ears\u201d for the department.<\/p>\n
The Ramona substation has 25 Volunteer Sheriff\u2019s Patrol participants, but there is always room for more members, Atkins said.<\/p>\n
VSP participants perform welfare checks for residents, make phone calls to You Are Never Alone (YANA) participants and patrol neighborhoods to perform vacation checks while residents are away. VSP members also visit schools, patrol parks and civic areas and conduct traffic control duties involving auto collisions or emergencies such as wildfires.<\/p>\n
The volunteer duties alleviate the work the Sheriff\u2019s deputies don\u2019t have time for. <\/p>\n
There are also a number of volunteer events where members can participate outside of the regular patrol: The Miramar Airshow, Coronado Christmas Parade, community activities sponsored by the Sheriff\u2019s Department and various tactical training demonstrations.<\/p>\n
To qualify, applicants must be able to pass a detailed background check. You must be 50 years or older, possess a valid California Driver\u2019s License, auto insurance and medical insurance and approval from your physician. Participants also agree to abide by all Sheriff\u2019s Department guidelines and policies.<\/p>\n