CHP seeks Vallejo volunteers
Bay City News Service
Article Launched: 04/02/2007 08:24:39 AM PDT

The California Highway Patrol is recruiting senior citizens to volunteer in the Golden Gate Communications Center in Vallejo.

The center has more than 130 employees and expects to hire an additional 25 dispatchers, but volunteers are also needed, said Capt. Cathy Wayne, commander of the facility. Wayne said she is seeking 10 to 20 people.

According to the CHP, public phone calls currently have a long wait time, as dispatchers must first attended to emergency 9-1-1 wireless calls.

Volunteers will answer 9-1-1 calls, allied agency calls and dispatches to CHP officers throughout Bay Area counties.

Volunteers should be able to commit to four hours work per week and must be able to pass background checks, have good driving records and be able to complete an in-house academy.

Those wising to volunteer should contact dispatch supervisor Ellen McGrath at (707) 551-4814.