Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees (STAR)

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The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office began the S.T.A.R. program in 1994 with divisions in both Placerville and South Lake Tahoe. A S.T.A.R. is a senior volunteer who assists the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office with crime prevention and other programs, at the direction of the Sheriff. S.T.A.R. members are not law enforcement officers and do not participate in making arrests or carrying weapons. S.T.A.R. volunteers perform essential duties allowing deputies in the field more time to spend on patrol services.

As a S.T.A.R. member with the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, you are the "eyes and ears" of the department who strive to have a positive impact in the community. S.T.A.R. member duties include patrol, deploying the radar trailer, home checks, assisting at our substations, transporting Sheriff's vehicles, Neighborhood Watch Programs, vehicle abatement checks and the You Are Not Alone (YANA) Program. S.T.A.R. volunteers participate in many county events including Cub Scout Day Camp, Aqua Sol Swim Meet, Pollock Pines 4th of July Parade, Moore Chili Cook-off, Coloma Gold Rush Days, Georgetown's Safe Halloween Night, Snowline Hospice Holiday Spectacular, Drug Store Project, Every 15 minutes Drunk Driver Program and many more. Last year STAR volunteers delivered over 60 food baskets for the El Dorado County Food Banks "No Vet Goes Hungry Program."

Qualifications to become a S.T.A.R. Volunteer

  • Be a person of good moral standard.
  • Valid California Driver's
  • Pass a background check and fingerprint.
  • Be willing to donate 16 hours per month.

Candidates will attend a 2-week training academy with training in STAR procedures, safe driving procedures, tour of Sheriff's Office in Placerville, detection and crime prevention awareness, STAR patrol techniques, radio procedures, traffic safety, and classes with Sheriff Department deputies.

If you are interested in joining the S.T.A.R. program or need information about any of the services that they provide, please contact the STAR Coordinator for the location at which you wish to volunteer.

STARS Coordinator: Katie Houpt, (530) 621-5111 or houptk@edso.org

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