On Aug. 14, 1929, the California Highway Patrol was created through an act of the Legislature. The new law gave statewide authority to the CHP to enforce traffic laws on county and state highways – a responsibility which remains in effect today, along with many additional functions undreamed of in 1929. With the merger of the California State Police in 1995, the CHP has increased responsibility and are responsible for the protection of state property and persons.

The primary mission of the California Highway Patrol is “the management and regulation of traffic to achieve safe, lawful and efficient use of the highway transportation system.” As a major statewide law enforcement agency, the secondary mission of the department is to assist in emergencies exceeding local capabilities.

The CHP Altadena Office is looking for senior volunteers to assist its officers. Senior volunteers help officers with DUI checkpoints, traffic control, vehicle maintenance and certain public events. Senior volunteers may drive patrol vehicles while assisting the officers and at times assist the civilian clerical staff with reports and arrest logs or other indoor tasks.

Those interested in this volunteer opportunity stop by the California Highway Patrol Office at 2130 N. Windsor Ave. in Altadena. Go to the front desk and request for a brochure and senior volunteer application. As an applicant, a background check will be done and applicants will be interviewed in person. Also needed is a valid driver’s license and applicants will be expected to be active and in good health. They must also be at least 55 years old, be able to volunteer four hours a week, be available to work during regular business hours, have a clean driving record and no felony convictions.

Senior volunteers will also attend a two-week “mini-academy” of 80 hours in training in which standardized operating procedures as outlined from Sacramento for the Senior Volunteer program will be learned.

For information about getting a brochure or application call (626) 296-8100.