El Dorado County, California – On a recent afternoon, three dedicated senior volunteers from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office were urgently taken to the hospital. The incident occurred when a tree collapsed onto their vehicle during their security patrols.
The incident took place shortly after 2 p.m. along Grizzly Flat Road. The California Highway Patrol’s Placerville Division confirmed that the three individuals suffered serious injuries and were transported to Marshall Hospital in Placerville for immediate medical attention.
The victims of the El Dorado tree accident were part of the STAR program (Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees), playing a crucial role in security patrols. The involved vehicle belonged to the sheriff’s office and was used to carry out their altruistic duties.
The impact on traffic was felt on Grizzly Flat Road in both directions near Sweeney Road. The Pioneer Union School District issued a warning about possible delays to the green bus route due to the incident.
Traffic disruption persisted for nearly three hours until the tree was skillfully cut into pieces, and the vehicle was towed away from the scene.
Sergeant Kyle Parker from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as a “rare accident” that, although uncommon, can happen during adverse weather conditions.
The STAR program, established in 1994, consists of dedicated senior volunteers. Their mission includes collaborating with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office on “crime prevention and other programs.” Although they do not make arrests or carry weapons, they provide valuable support to deputies, allowing them to focus on patrols and high-priority calls.
Sergeant Parker concluded by highlighting the importance of STAR program volunteers as a “tremendous resource” for the sheriff’s office. Despite the unusual incident, the dedication of these volunteers remains crucial for strengthening the safety and well-being of the local community.
