We are pleased to feature Captain Paul Becker and some of the local sheriffs showing their support for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Foundation “Be Our Star” program on the cover of this issue of The Magazine of Santa Clarita. Please join us in showing your support and becoming a star, helping keep Santa Clarita one of the safest communities in California.
On the Cover Front Row (L-R) Sergeant Mike Wright, Sergeant Rich Cohen, Deputy Scott Shoemaker, Deputy Margarita Parra, Captain Paul Becker, Deputy Robert Smoldt, Deputy Travis Kelly, Deputy Pat Rissler, Reserve Deputy Mike Terry. Back Row (L-R) Sergeant Darren Harris, Sergeant Gregg Lewison, Deputy Richard Phares, Lieutenant Mike Dunkle, Lieutenant Mark Hershey, Deputy Mike Perry, Deputy Tim Rasch, Reserve Deputy Thom Franklin
Santa Clarita is among the safest communities in California, and much of that credit belongs to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s deputies and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep our homes, schools and businesses, safe. These men and women are one of the many reasons we have such a great community.
The SCV Sheriff’s Foundation, a non-profit public benefit corporation that was formed in 1984, supports the sheriff deputies, and their mission to prevent crimes and keep our Valley safe by providing much needed police equipment and crime prevention materials. The Foundation also helps fund Civilian Volunteer, Law Enforcement Explorer and Reserve Deputy Programs at the SCV Sheriff’s Station. The foundation members are: Captain Paul Becker, Chairman; Ken Wiseman, President; Neal Thurman, Vice President; Cookie Diaz, Secretary; John Price, Director; Harvey Canton, Director; Kimberly Altobello, Director; Don Fleming, Director; Moe Hafizi, Director; Dep. Patrick Rissler, Advisor; Sgt. Gregg Lewison, Advisor; Sgt. A.J. Rotella, Advisor.
“The Foundation has helped us tremendously,” states Captain Paul Becker. “For example, they purchased and installed outdoor metal lockers, making the transportation and storage of equipment much easier, and even revamped our training room.” Some of the many items the Foundation has purchased are computers and computer equipment, an undercover narcotics vehicle, bicycle patrol uniforms and pumps, gym equipment, a drunk driving trailer and much more. “The Foundation has provided us with resources beyond those that the county supplies, and we are very thankful for all they do for us,” states Captain Becker.
The Foundation was originally known as the Sheriff’s Booster Club, and was created by a group of local residents who wanted to help assist local law enforcement in a tangible way. In 2009, the group reorganized and changed their name to Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Foundation, and through its efforts, the Foundation continues to help the many programs at the SCV Sheriff’s Station. With the generous help of the residents and businesses, we too, can show our support by recognizing the efforts of our public safety professionals and help them in their mission of keeping Santa Clarita safe. Show your support by joining the Be Our Star program. Whether you’re a resident or a business, there are many ways you can contribute. Just select one of their five convenient levels of support, and the Foundation will gratefully acknowledge your participation and provide you with many ways to show Santa Clarita that you’re a proud supporter of the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation.
For more information or to donate, call 661-799-5813, or visit www.scvsheriffsfoundation.org. 
Some Interesting Facts:
• L.A. County Sheriff’s Department has been providing law enforcement services for the area since 1850.
• The current SCV Sheriff’s Station opened its doors on May 8, 1972
• The SCV Sheriff’s Station is home to more than 200 sworn staff and 42 professional staff members
• There are 105 volunteers, 43 reserve deputies and 20 explorers currently
• The Station has a fleet of 92 vehicles: 65 black and white patrol vehicles, three motorcycles and 9 sedans among other utility vehicles
• The Station serves the 52 square-miles of the city of Santa Clarita and the 596 square-miles of unincorporated Los Angeles County.
• On any given day during a 24 hour period, as many as 70 patrol vehicles can be utilized by the Station and more than 90 deputy sheriffs, including patrol supervisors, can be assigned to various field and station assignments
• The Station jail was refurnished in 2009 and consists of 11 cells capable of temporarily housing 40 arrestees