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Malibu Volunteers on Patrol

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Volunteers on Patrol is part of the LA Co Sheriff Dept. VOPs act as a force multiplier, responding to collisions, fires, etc. Apply www.malibuvop.team

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🎃 THREE MISSING CHILDREN, A CAR OVER THE SIDE, AND ONE BUSY HALLOWEEN NIGHT! 🚔

What started as a night of trick-or-treaters, costumes, and neighborhood celebrations turned into an eventful Halloween shift for the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station “Volunteers on Patrol” team.

With five marked Sheriff’s patrol vehicles in the field, VOPs supported deputies and local security teams at Halloween celebrations throughout Malibu, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and surrounding communities, conducting high-visibility patrols and assisting with traffic and pedestrian control.

But the evening brought a few unexpected calls.

🚨 Three missing children. Three happy reunions. VOPs assisted in searches for three children who became separated from their families amid the Halloween crowds. Working alongside deputies, parents, and private security, all three were located and reunited with their families. One was personally located by VOP Team Leader Mark Russo while patrolling the Haunted Hempstead event. Two others were located with the assistance of VOPs Bill Melcher and Lilly Bradshaw in The Oaks neighborhood of Calabasas.

And the night wasn’t over yet.

🚒 While returning from his Halloween assignment, Russo spotted a vehicle approximately 10 feet down an embankment along Kanan Road. He stopped, checked on the driver, confirmed there were no additional occupants, and coordinated the response of Sheriff’s deputies, CHP, and fire personnel. The driver had exited the vehicle, and no injuries were reported.

From trick-or-treaters to traffic collisions, you never know what a VOP patrol will bring.

🚔 Interested in joining the Malibu VOP team? Learn more at www.malibuvop.team (link in bio)

#MalibuVOP #LASD #VolunteersOnPatrol #HalloweenPatrol by @malibuvop

THREE TRAINEES. ONE BIG STEP CLOSER TO PATROL! 🚔

Congratulations to Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Volunteers on Patrol trainees Victoria Zepeda, Jack Walerius, and Gio Gonzalez on successfully completing the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Defensive Driver Training Course on October 5!

Held at the LASD Emergency Vehicle Operations Center (EVOC) in Castaic, this full-day course combines classroom instruction with hands-on driving exercises designed to sharpen vehicle control, hazard awareness, defensive driving skills, and safe maneuvering under challenging conditions.

Passing EVOC is an important milestone in becoming a qualified VOP patrol driver—and these three are now moving into the next phase of their training with our team.

Congratulations, Victoria, Jack, and Gio! We look forward to seeing you behind the wheel and out on patrol!

Interested in joining our next VOP trainee class? Learn more at www.malibuvop.team (link in bio).

#MalibuVOP #LASD #VolunteersOnPatrol #EVOC by @malibuvop

SECONDS TO REACT — PART 2: STOP THE BLEED!

At the scene of a serious accident, what’s the first medical priority? It may not be what you think.

Once you’ve determined it’s safe to exit your vehicle and approach the scene (see Episode 1), your next priority could mean the difference between life and death.

In Part 2 of our Malibu VOP medical training series, Mark Hollinger of Malibu Search and Rescue emphasizes a critical rule: MASSIVE, LIFE-THREATENING BLEEDING COMES FIRST! A victim can bleed to death in minutes.

Mark demonstrates how to use a tourniquet to control life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg.

WHEN TO USE A TOURNIQUET: For massive, life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg, particularly arterial bleeding that cannot be controlled with direct pressure.

REMEMBER: HIGH AND TIGHT!

* POSITION TOURNIQUET HIGH: Normally, place the tourniquet 2–3 inches above the bleeding wound, toward the heart, never over a joint. For massive bleeding or when the wound cannot be quickly located, go HIGH AND TIGHT — high on the upper arm or thigh.
* TIGHTEN IT: Pull the strap snug, then turn the tightening rod (windlass) until the bleeding STOPS COMPLETELY. Secure the rod so it cannot unwind. Proper application will be painful.
* RECORD THE TIME: Note the exact time the tourniquet was applied and tell arriving emergency personnel.
* DO NOT LOOSEN OR REMOVE IT: Once applied, leave the tourniquet in place for medical professionals.

The lesson? What happens BEFORE the ambulance arrives can save a life.

These aren’t just skills for our VOPs. They’re lessons everyone should know.

Interested in joining the team or learning more about the program? Start here: www.malibuvop.team (link in bio)
#MalibuVOP #StopTheBleed #LASD by @malibuvop

Update: All lanes are now open. by @malibuvop

Footage from 10/15/26. All five VOP units were deployed to assist with traffic control and possible evacuations. #malibuvop #lasd #BrysonFire by @malibuvop

by @malibuvop

by @malibuvop

SECONDS TO REACT: SCENE SAFETY COMES FIRST

Following up on our recent post about Malibu VOP medical training with Mark Hollinger of Malibu Search and Rescue, we’re launching a series of short clips highlighting some of the critical lessons learned.

FIRST UP: SCENE SAFETY.

You’re first on scene at a serious traffic collision. People may be badly injured. Every second counts. Your instinct is to rush in and help.

But your first move could be your most dangerous.

Before even stepping out of the patrol vehicle, you need to assess the scene. Approaching traffic, leaking fuel, fire, downed power lines, and unstable vehicles can turn a rescue attempt into another emergency.

The lesson? You can’t help save a life if you become the next victim.

Watch this short clip as Mark explains why scene safety must always come first.

More lessons from our emergency medical training series coming soon!

#malibuvop #volunteersonpatrol #scenesafety #lasd by @malibuvop

FIRST ON SCENE AT A BAD CRASH—NOW WHAT?

The immediate aftermath of a serious traffic collision can be chaotic —moving vehicles, debris scattered across lanes, severe injuries, and uncontrolled bleeding.

Our patrols have often been the first to arrive at major collisions and have encountered seriously injured victims. That reality was at the heart of one of our largest Malibu VOP training turnouts, held at Malibu City Hall with instructor Mark Hollinger, former Sr. Nursing Instructor at LA County College of Nursing, long-time Malibu Search and Rescue member, and who regularly serves as a tactical medical consultant for local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies.

The team practiced scene safety at traffic collisions, patient assessment, bleeding control, tourniquet deployment, wound packing, CPR, and AED use. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, VOPs strengthened the skills and confidence they may need when someone in our community is counting on them.

Regular training keeps procedures fresh, builds “muscle memory,” and helps ensure that, when seconds matter, our VOPs are ready to act.

A heartfelt thank-you to Mark for sharing his expertise, to every VOP who participated, and to the City of Malibu for providing the facilities—and treating the team to pizza! 🍕

Want to make a difference in Malibu? Joining Malibu VOP is a meaningful way to serve your community, learn practical skills, and work alongside a dedicated team. Go to www.malibuvop.team (link in bio) to take the first step toward joining the team! And no, you do NOT need to be a Malibu resident to join.

#MalibuVOP #VolunteersOnPatrol #Malibu #LASD #CommunityService by @malibuvop

by @malibuvop

by @malibuvop