A commercial airline pilot and a college system accountant. A manager of a large manufacturing company and a commercial real estate broker. They - and their Sheriff's Reserve companions - come from greatly divergent backgrounds. But they have much in common, including a passion for law and order, sincere care for the peace and safety of their families and neighbors, and a deep commitment to returning something of value back to their community.

All of these citizens have answered the call to volunteer their "spare time" to attain those goals. They serve as reserve deputies for the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, working out of the Encinitas Station. They are truly volunteers as they serve without pay.

At a glance, Sheriff's Reserves can't be distinguished from the regular deputy sheriffs with whom they work. Both wear the same uniforms with the same badges, insignia and patches. They drive the same distinctive black and white patrol cars. Reserves are armed and have full enforcement and arrest powers.

To qualify for their positions, reserves must graduate from the same rugged academy and meet identical physical standards. Reserves undergo on-going training and, like the regular deputies, must qualify quarterly on the firing range.

Reserves work regular shifts in the Patrol Division, especially nights, weekends and holidays. In addition to their regular civilian jobs, these devoted reserve deputies spend from 30 to 40 hours a month or more with the Sheriff's Department. Some have been serving 30 years and have logged thousands of hours of community service at no charge to the taxpayer.