PALS Volunteer Promotes Safety

Kellie Dearden’s parents jokingly call her “Deputy Dearden.” 

During the week, Dearden is a Pre-Auction Coordinator with Auction.com, but on the weekends, she dons dark blue pants and a polo shirt with the Aliso Viejo logo on it.  As one of eight volunteers for Police Assistance Liaison Services (PALS) in Aliso Viejo, Dearden fulfills her interest in law enforcement.

The PALS volunteers can be seen patrolling the town in a white SUV with the Sheriff’s Department logo on it. 

“It’s mostly for the presence,” Dearden said.  “It deters crime.”

If the volunteers suspect criminal activity, they call the Dispatch Center and a deputy investigates, because “we’re not sworn law enforcement,” Dearden said.

The volunteers educate the public on how to prevent crime in
a program called “Remove it or Lose it.”  Sergeant D.J. Haldeman of the Aliso Viejo Sheriff’s Department said this campaign has “seen great success with reduction in theft and is directly attributable to PALS volunteers.”

Dearden takes her responsibilities seriously, but she has fun, too.

“Working with the kids” is her favorite part of volunteering.  She looks forward to the Harvest Festival because “you get to see all the kids dressed up.”

At Founder’s Day, which Dearden describes as “a carnival with a western theme,” she enjoys working at the Sheriff’s booth where kids spin a wheel and answer safety questions.

As part of a program called, “Caught Being Good,” PALS volunteers reward kids with a coupon for a free Dairy Queen Blizzard when they're “caught” wearing helmets while riding their bikes or skateboards.

“They know,” Dearden said, smiling. “They come right up to us with their helmets on.”

At the summer concerts in Grand Park, Dearden keeps the public
safe by cautioning people to stay off a slippery hillside and she keeps
pathways open in the event police or medical services are needed.

“I signed up for all the concerts this time,” Dearden said.  “I like being out in the community and helping.”

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In the event of a disaster, PALS volunteers are trained and ready to help.  Each year they attend the Community Emergency Preparedness Academy provided by the city of Aliso Viejo.

CEPA offers first aid and CPR certification through the American Red Cross and provides instruction on what to do in a disaster.

Dearden offers some tips on preparedness since, in a disaster, it could take up to 72 hours for rescue response.

1. Be able to find your family.  Have a number in your cell phone for someone who lives out of the area, so family members can contact that person to locate each other.
2. If there’s no electricity, you won’t be able to use the ATM machine or your credit card, so keep cash on hand.
3. Have food and water supplies for 72 hours. American Red Cross kits have everything you need, including freeze-dried foods and packaged water.
4. Always have a full tank of gas, in case you need to leave the area suddenly.