Senior volunteers wanted

Madera’s California Highway Patrol Office is seeking “motivated” citizens who want to give something back to their community as Senior Volunteers.

“We are interested in citizens who are interested in public service and effecting change in their community. Volunteers will find working with the California Highway Patrol extremely rewarding and fun,” said Lt. Kevin Clays, commander of the CHP Madera Area.

Senior Volunteers are CHP employees who assist in both administrative and field capacities. Interviews will be conducted in September.

The objectives of the CHP Senior Volunteer Program are: To assist the CHP in providing enhanced public service to the community, to provide an opportunity for senior citizens to make a definitive contribution toward improving public safety and service, and to instill among participating volunteers an understanding and appreciation of the justice system, human relations, and ethics in the field of law enforcement.

Duties: Administrative functions, such as filing, data entry, photocopying, answering phones, and assisting the Watch Officer at the front desk. Field functions, such as working at community events, directing traffic, surveys in high-traffic locations/school zones, deploy radar trailers, and shuttle vehicles/equipment. Senior Volunteers drive marked CHP cars in uniform while performing field duties. Volunteers attend shift briefings and occasionally ride along with officers, to learn and assist as an additional set of eyes in search of violators.

Requirements: 55 years and older, can work a minimum of four hours per week, pass background check, have good driving record and complete CHP Senior Volunteer training program.

Citizens interested in the program may contact program coordinator Sgt. Darren Long, 675-1025, or Tina Keyser, 675-1025.