2 Mission Viejo Volunteers Honored Friday

Two super seniors from Mission Viejo will be honored Friday with Spirit of Volunteerism awards at the Disneyland Hotel.

Both volunteers have helped local police by keeping statistics. Kenton Hutchison set up record keeping techniques to help record the hours the Senior Community Activity Team works. Patricia Pene is involved in "crime prevention, child safety education, supporting special programs and maintaining participant databases," according to a city statement.

Lt. Chris Wilson, chief of Police Services, praised the two for their work and said "Their efforts don’t go unnoticed but are appreciated by Police Services, city staff and the residents of Mission Viejo."

Here's more from the city about these two outstanding volunteers:

Kenton Hutchison

A charter member of the Senior Community Activity Team, Hutchison is the group's longest standing member, having donating more than 6,300 hours of volunteer service since 1989.  With a background in engineering, Hutchison quickly stepped out of the bounds of his assigned patrol duties and took on the added responsibility of keeping and reporting the "team’s" hours.  Over time, he developed and implemented statistical record-keeping practices and procedures, which are still in place today.  These reports provide valuable data on the value of volunteer programs. His exemplary service to the program includes patrol, City Hall reception, special events and projects.

Patricia Pene

During her years of service to Mission Viejo Police Services Senior Community Volunteer Team, Patricia Pene has become a “go to” for special projects. Her “no problem” attitude, professionalism, and savvy computer skills are a valuable asset to the team. Shortly after joining the program, Pene became the team’s hours and statistics keeper. A capable self-starter, Pene adapts quickly to recurring changes to the reporting system. She takes the time to learn new procedures and implement changes, all while getting her reports out on time and with little oversight. In addition to reporting hours, the statistical data she records and reports, provides important data on the added value of having a volunteer program.