The Fountain Valley Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP, launched with nine volunteers in June 1990 and has since grown to more than 40 members.
RSVP volunteers serve in a variety of capacities and under the guidance of a police sergeant. They are selected through a comprehensive interview process and attend in-depth training where they learn about the organization and inner workings of the police department.
Training includes learning radio codes and procedures, how to issue a parking citation, how to take fingerprints, drive a department vehicle and conduct residential vacation house checks. Upon graduation they are sworn in by the Chief of Police and work alongside other RSVP members.
Here’s what a few volunteers had to say about the program:
JOY GARCIA
“I moved to Fountain Valley over 35 years ago and raised my three children in this beautiful city. There is a saying “It takes a community to raise a child” and I can truly say the City of Fountain Valley has supported my family through the decades. It is because of the support the city has provided my family that I decided to give back to our community by volunteering with RSVP.”
MIKE WHITE
“I wanted to give back to my community by helping to keep Fountain Valley a “Nice Place to Live”. I love the events that we volunteer for such as Summerfest, Youth in Government, and Senior Expo. The variety of tasks we set out to do each day such as vacation house checks, code enforcement, court runs, and parking patrol keeps me active and the days interesting.”
LINDA JONES
“I love being a part of the RSVP family.! It is such a meaningful and fulfilling part of my retirement life! The people I have met, not only at the police station, but also on the streets, are wonderful and inspiring. I feel blessed to represent FVPD as a volunteer in helping our community. RSVP is beyond rewarding for me.”
To volunteer, applicants must be retired, live locally, pass a criminal background check, and demonstrate a commitment to public service. The next recruitment period begins in November with a new class training in early 2026.
Interested individuals can submit an interest card through the FVPD website, stop by the Police Department, or call 714-593-4526 for more information.