COLUSA, CA (MPG) — The Colusa County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to consider volunteering with its Volunteer Citizen Service Unit, a group that supports local law enforcement with non-enforcement work ranging from crime prevention and clerical help to traffic support at community events.
The Colusa County Volunteer Citizen Service Unit, known as VCSU, was established to aid all Colusa County law enforcement agencies by taking on support roles that free up sworn personnel. Volunteers help with tasks such as volunteer patrol, office work, and functions requested by participating agencies and approved by an advisory board.
For longtime member Floyd Stephens, the work filled a gap after retirement.
“When I retired, I didn’t have anything else to do,” Stephens said. “It just felt right. Plus the sheriff at the time asked me to join.”
Stephens, a former truck driver and equipment manager, has volunteered for 22 years and now serves as the organization’s president. He said membership has declined over time.
“We need help, if there are any old-timers sitting around wanting something to do, come help,” Stephens said. “We are still trying to do the work of 30 people.”
Stephens said the unit currently has about 7 volunteers, down from around 20 in past years, while continuing to assist the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Colusa and Williams police departments and the California Highway Patrol.
Several volunteers said the work keeps them involved and connected.
“I retired from the water district in Arbuckle, and I wanted something to do,” said Jim Scheimer, who has served five years. “I didn’t want to sit around the house.”
Scheimer said he enjoys helping at parades and fundraisers, and providing extra security at football games in Arbuckle.
John Luppe, also a five-year volunteer, said the unit’s work is practical and community-focused.
“It’s fun, it’s camaraderie,” Luppe said. “We put out the speed signs, and help block off roads during some of the parades. It’s a big help to our communities.”
Newer volunteer Joe Gerard said the role gives structure to his days. “It gives me a reason to get up in the morning,” Gerard said.
Gerard serves as a school crossing guard at Egling Middle School in Colusa, then helps the sheriff’s office by transporting patrol vehicles to service centers for maintenance. He also assists with animal control transport, including taking dogs and cats to Davis for spay and neuter appointments.
“I am also involved with animal control,” Gerard said, pointing to the unit’s pickup truck. “I help transport the dogs and cats that are going to Davis for a spay or neuter.”
Gerard added that he is involved with HAM radio and serves with the Sheriff’s Reserve Communications unit. “I am there to help assist if there’s ever any emergency communications,” he said.
Pam DaGrossa, a two-year member, said the screening process is thorough. “It can take some time, so be patient,” she said, describing the background check as the most difficult step.
To qualify, VCSU candidates must volunteer at least 16 hours per month, be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 years old, and have good moral character, clear of felony convictions, and good credit standing. Applicants must also possess a California identification card. Volunteers who drive a city, county, or VCSU vehicle must pass a defensive driving course and a driving test, and hold an unrestricted Class 1, 2, or 3 California driver’s license, with corrective lenses allowed.
The unit is funded through donations and grants. Treasurer Dorothy Murphy said a major boost came last year.
“We received a $50,000 grant from the Colusa Indian Community Council last year,” Murphy said. “We were extremely grateful, and surprised.”
Murphy said the funds are used to purchase gear and keep the unit operating.
Colusa County Sheriff Joe Garofalo said the volunteers play a key role in day-to-day support.
“I think we’ve always been and continue to be very thankful for their work,” Garofalo said. “What they do makes our job a lot easier.”
Garofalo said the unit needs more members as the roster shrinks.
“We’re always looking for more volunteers,” he said. “Unfortunately, the numbers keep growing smaller every year, and it puts more load on the active members.”
Garofalo encouraged interested residents to stop by the sheriff’s office for information. “If you have free time on your hands, and you like to contribute to the community, please come to the sheriff’s office, and we’ll get you an application, or we’ll answer any questions that you may have,” he said.
For more information, visit the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office at 929 Bridge St., Colusa, CA 95932. Donations may also be sent to that address, addressed to: Volunteer Citizen Service Unit, c/o Colusa County Sheriff’s Office.