EL DORADO COUNTY, California (October 22, 2023) – El Dorado County Sheriff’s Active Retirees: A Unique Force for Community Policing.
Imagine retirees in their 60s, 70s, and even their 80s, generously volunteering their time, energy, and expertise to support the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. This refreshing and heartwarming approach to community policing sees these senior volunteers contribute their unique skills, life experiences, and a profound sense of responsibility to provide invaluable assistance to the hardworking deputies.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office proudly announced:
We extend our warmest welcome to the latest graduates of the STAR Program, a group that’s chosen to spend their retirement giving back to their communities and supporting law enforcement. Their class motto, ‘Eyes and Ears for a Safe Community,’ reflects their dedication to safeguarding our neighborhoods.
The Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees (STAR) consists of dedicated volunteers who enhance community safety by staffing various substations, aiding in essential sheriff’s office functions, and patrolling the entire county. These dedicated individuals underwent an intensive two-week academy covering policy and procedures for STAR duties, as well as an in-depth understanding of the Sheriff’s Office.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our volunteers for their unwavering dedication and support. Congratulations and a warm welcome to our newest members!
El Dorado County Sheriff, Jeff Leikauf, acknowledges the profound impact of this unique program. El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office posted:
“We would like to recognize and welcome our newest members of the STAR Program who graduated the STAR academy. These individuals decided they would like to spend their retirement giving back to their communities and law enforcement with their time and service, as exemplified by their class motto: ‘Eyes and ears for a safe community.’
The Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees [STAR] is a group of volunteers who help our community by staffing our various substations, assisting with various sheriff’s office functions, and patrolling our entire county. In order to earn their badge, they had to go through a two week academy that covered policy and procedure for STAR duties and the entirety of the Sheriff’s Office.
We want to thank all our volunteers for their dedication and support. Congratulations and welcome to our newcomers!
This isn’t just a heartwarming narrative; it’s a testament to the power of inclusivity and acknowledging the immense potential retirees possess. The Active Retirees challenge the notion that age defines one’s ability to contribute to society. Their dedication should inspire all of us to look beyond stereotypes and harness the wealth of knowledge that older generations offer.
Challenges and Sustainability: However, challenges persist. In a world often preoccupied with youth, it’s crucial to maintain and expand this program, ensuring that our seniors remain an integral part of our community’s safety net. Financial support, training, and ongoing recognition are vital to sustain and grow this initiative.
Conclusion: In a world filled with headlines of crime and chaos, the story of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees is a refreshing reminder that every generation has a role to play in building a safer and more harmonious community. These retirees, with their unwavering dedication, stand as a testament to the idea that the spirit of public service knows no age limits.
If you’re interested in joining the program, please reach out to STARs at (530) 621-7545 or edsostars@edso.org for more information.
