6 Groups Go to Aid of Captain : Law Enforcement: Civic organizations offer praise to Michael Nagaoka. He is the target of a petition to oust him as head of Industry sheriff’s station.

The head of the Industry sheriff’s station, targeted for criticism by one community group, earned praise from half a dozen other groups during a news conference Thursday on the steps of La Puente City Hall.

Representatives from the La Puente Kiwanis Club, the City Council and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as spokesmen from the Hacienda Heights Kiwanis and the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, turned out in support of Capt. Michael Nagaoka.

A petition seeking Nagaoka’s ouster was signed last month by more than 350 members of La Puente Parent Power. The new group, consisting mainly of those who have criticized the school district for its lack of Latino teachers, brought similar complaints against Nagaoka, saying he had failed to hire sufficient Latino deputies.

The petition has not prompted action by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to replace Nagaoka, whom the department considers one of its best station commanders. The allegations against him also angered many in the community.

“If we have good people and don’t defend them and support them, we’re not going to have them,” said Dolores St. Germain, a founder of Community Pride, another citizens organization.

Since 1989, Nagaoka has overseen operations and been in charge of 190 deputies at the station. During that time he not only increased the number of Latino deputies from 24 to 37, but also hired the first Asian deputies at the station, St. Germain said.

The captain has also earned praise for establishing a Youth Athletic League, holding anti-crime sessions on school campuses and performing hours of volunteer work.