Senior Volunteer Patrol Program in Ramona is seeking new members

The Ramona Sheriff’s substation is recruiting seniors to be part of its Volunteer Sheriff’s Patrol (VSP) program.

Volunteers can make a difference in the community by serving the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, said VSP member Danna Atkins. The program adds another layer to law enforcement by being an “additional set of eyes and ears” for the department.

The Ramona substation has 25 Volunteer Sheriff’s Patrol participants, but there is always room for more members, Atkins said.

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.

The volunteer duties alleviate the work the Sheriff’s deputies don’t have time for.

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’s Department and various tactical training demonstrations.

To qualify, applicants must be able to pass a detailed background check. You must be 50 years or older, possess a valid California Driver’s License, auto insurance and medical insurance and approval from your physician. Participants also agree to abide by all Sheriff’s Department guidelines and policies.

For more information, call the YANA desk at 760-738-2466 and leave a message, or visit the Sheriff’s Department’s website at sdsheriff.gov/recruitment/senior-volunteer-patrol.