LAGUNA BEACH : A Dirty Job That Seniors Do Well

There was a moment during the recent flooding when Jean Lamphere questioned her job description. At the time, Lamphere, 68, was slogging around in boots and a yellow slicker with muddy water to her knees.

But she said workers should be willing to accept both the messy and not-so-messy jobs as members of the Senior Citizens Police Volunteer Program.

Lamphere is one of eight members of the group. They started training in August and were fast-forwarded into action by the storms this month.

With floodwaters raging, evacuations underway and all city police out on duty, officials said the hearty band of seniors sprang into action, including 94-year-old Henry Handy, who began directing traffic when downtown streets shut down.

“We hadn’t even issued their rain gear yet, but we did that in a hurry,” said community service officer Janna Moore, who directs the group. “The enthusiasm (shown) by the volunteers is absolutely incredible. They show up in their uniforms bright and early . . . and say, ‘What do you have for us to do?’ ”

Volunteers can choose from a variety of jobs, from setting up a traffic radar trailer or conducting vacation home checks to indoor clerical duties. And they can write parking tickets.

Police officials say they hope to expand the program to 20 volunteers, each of whom should be willing to work six-hour shifts five days a month. Those who have already taken the plunge say it’s worth it.

“By using volunteers . . . we can free up the sworn officers who are doing more important things than moving that radar trailer around,” Moore said.

Added Lamphere: “I don’t know what I was doing with my life before this happened.”

For more information, call Janna Moore at (714) 497-0382.