By Mary O’KEEFE

The California Highway Patrol is looking to recruit individuals for its senior volunteer program.

“We are in need of volunteers,” said CHP Officer Vince Ramirez.

The program is an especially good fit for retired people and for those who have free time they want to fill. The requirements are that individuals must be 55 years old, available to work a minimum of four hours per week and have a good driving record.

“They will also have to pass a background check,” Ramirez added.

Once applicants complete the initial process they will then be called in for an interview with CHP.

“They are important and can help in various categories,” he added.

Some work the front desk at the Altadena station, some drive patrol vehicles under maintenance to and from the motor transportation center and some help with clerical work.

“We also bring them to different events,” Ramirez said.

Pre-pandemic, CHP attended several outreach events including visiting elementary schools. Officers brought along volunteers to help answer questions and assist outreach efforts. In addition they can be brought on ride-alongs, riding in the patrol units with officers.

“They are our extra eyes and ears,” he added. Pre-pandemic the volunteers would also support school areas with traffic patrol.

Robyn Wilson has been a senior volunteer since 2016.

“I have always been interested in police and CHP. When you retire you can look at the walls or you need to do something,” she said. “I saw an ad that [CHP] was looking for volunteers.”

She walked into the Altadena CHP office, filled out the application, met the requirements and never looked back.

“It has been very exciting,” Wilson said.

One thing Wilson misses is the outreach events that were canceled due to the pandemic the last two years.

“I always enjoyed Kids and Kritters in Montrose,” Wilson said. “I did that booth two or three years. I liked that you got to meet the kids and really to know [them].” 

Wilson added the one thing that has surprised her about working with CHP was the camaraderie at the station and among officers.

“Everyone gets along,” she added. “We have their backs and they have ours.”

Wilson encourages everyone who can to explore becoming a senior volunteer.

“If [seniors] would like experience working with the CHP and doing all types of different jobs,” Wilson said. “it’s absolutely gratifying.”