Our History

The history of the Altadena Sheriff's Station

For nearly one hundred years, the Altadena Sheriff's Station has served as a cornerstone of public safety and community service in Altadena. Since opening its doors on August 15, 1927, the station has evolved alongside the community it serves, adapting to new technologies, changing demographics, and the growing needs of residents. Through wildfires, economic challenges, periods of growth, and times of crisis, the station has remained a constant presence dedicated to protecting life and property while fostering strong community partnerships.

Prior to 1927, Altadena had no local law enforcement facility. Police services were provided through the Los Angeles County Marshal's Office in Pasadena. As Altadena's population expanded during the 1920s, county leaders recognized the need for a permanent law enforcement presence within the community. That vision became a reality when Sheriff's Station No. 7 was established on East Foothill Boulevard, making Altadena one of the earliest communities in Los Angeles County to receive a dedicated Sheriff's facility.

The opening of the station was celebrated as a major civic achievement. Community organizations joined together to host a grand opening ceremony that attracted residents from throughout the area. The station initially opened with eight deputies under the command of Captain John Montleon. While modest by today's standards, the new station represented a significant investment in public safety and demonstrated the county's commitment to serving Altadena.

Throughout its early years, the station embraced technological innovation. By 1928, it was connected to a regional teletype communication system that allowed rapid exchange of information with law enforcement agencies throughout California. During the 1930s, deputies began utilizing radio-equipped patrol cars, placing Altadena at the forefront of modern policing techniques.

As Altadena continued to grow following World War II, county officials recognized the need for a larger and more modern facility. In 1948, construction began on a new station as part of the developing Altadena Civic Center at Altadena Drive and El Molino

Avenue. The new station became a centerpiece of civic life and remains a familiar landmark to residents today. The decades that followed brought tremendous change to both Altadena and lawenforcement. The station expanded its patrol operations, adopted new technologies, and strengthened its connection with the community. Through neighborhood programs and community outreach efforts, deputies worked closely with residents to address crime concerns and improve quality of life throughout Altadena.

One of the station's greatest strengths has always been its ability to adapt. During the 1980s, Altadena became one of the first Sheriff's stations to implement onboard computer technology, helping deputies improve efficiency and responsiveness. Yet even as technology advanced, the station's commitment to community policing remained unchanged.

The early 1990s marked one of the most challenging periods in the station's history. Budget pressures led to discussions of consolidation and possible reductions in service. Concerned residents rallied in support of maintaining a strong local station presence. The Friends of the Altadena Sheriff's Station, later reorganized as the Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena (SSGA), emerged as a powerful advocate for public safety and community involvement.

The importance of the station became especially evident during the devastating Kinneloa Fire of 1993. Deputies played a critical role in evacuations, traffic control, neighborhood security, and protecting evacuated homes from looting. The response demonstrated the value of having a local station deeply connected to the community it serves.

Community advocacy eventually led to the restoration of full-service station status in 1999. This milestone represented not only an organizational achievement but also a testament to the strong partnership between Altadena residents and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The station once again operated independently, ensuring that local needs remained a top priority.

Since that time, the Altadena Sheriff's Station has continued to modernize while preserving its community-oriented approach. New technologies, enhanced patrol, and strong partnerships with local organizations have helped reduce crime and improve public safety. The station has worked closely with schools, businesses, faith organizations, neighborhood groups, and volunteers to build trust and strengthen community engagement.

Among the station's most valued partners has been the Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena. Through fundraising, volunteerism, and advocacy, SSGA has helped provide equipment, programs, and resources that enhance the station's ability to serve the public. Together, station personnel and community volunteers have demonstrated that public safety is most effective when residents and law enforcement work hand in hand. Today, the Altadena Sheriff's Station serves a diverse and vibrant community while continuing a tradition of service that spans nearly a century. Generations of deputies, professional staff, volunteers, and residents have contributed to the station's success and helped shape its legacy.

As the station approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, it stands as more than a law enforcement facility. It is a symbol of resilience, service, and partnership. Its history reflects the story of Altadena itself—a community that values public safety, civic engagement, and neighbors helping neighbors. The accomplishments of the past century provide a strong foundation for the future, ensuring that the Altadena Sheriff's Station will continue serving and protecting the community for generations to come.

The History of SSGA

In the late 1980s, the Altadena and Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Stations were consolidated, raising concerns in Altadena about reduced local law enforcement services. As budget cuts continued into the early 1990s and the Altadena Station faced possible closure, community members formed the Friends of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station (FASS) to advocate for keeping the station open.

In 1993, Governor Pete Wilson visited the station to support Proposition 172, a public safety funding measure. The following day, the devastating Kinneloa Fire highlighted the importance of maintaining a local sheriff’s presence, as deputies provided critical security and emergency support throughout the disaster.

Within a year, FASS reorganized as the Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena (SSGA). Through fundraising and community support, SSGA supplied the station with equipment not covered by county budgets, including computers, printers, digital cameras, and bicycles for patrol use.

In 1997, SSGA launched a successful campaign to restore Altadena to full-service station status with a captain in command. In January 1998, Sheriff Sherman Block announced that the station would be reopened. After Block’s passing later that year, Sheriff Lee Baca reaffirmed the commitment.

In October 1999, the Altadena Sheriff’s Station regained full-service status, and Captain Ronnie Williams became its commander. By July 2001, Altadena had fully separated from Crescenta Valley and once again operated as an independent station.

Plans for a new station facility were developed, but county budget shortfalls and cuts to the Sheriff’s Department delayed construction indefinitely. Despite these challenges, the efforts of FASS, SSGA, and the Altadena community ensured the preservation and independence of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station.