Residents, officers mingle at Crescenta Valley open house

The many faces of public safety were on display in La Crescenta on Saturday, as the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station hosted an open house.

The sheriff’s arson and explosive unit was on hand, as were California Highway Patrol officers and volunteers with Montrose Search and Rescue, the Crescenta Valley Community Emergency Response Team and the Wildlife Way Station. Patrol vehicles, animals with law enforcement roles and other tools of the public safety trade were available for inspection by the public.

“The only time civilians have any interaction with the police department is when they are getting pulled over or they dial 9-1-1,” said Crescenta Valley Sheriff Station volunteer Rafi Koshkerian. “Here we bring a lot of different agencies and entities. It’s more of a level field where everyone is equal, and civilians are encouraged to speak freely.”

Leonard Ghazarian, president of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce, said he was on hand both to show his support and so his son could see police equipment up close.

“My son idolizes sheriffs, so it was a treat for him to come out and see the real sheriffs, the cars, the lights, and the horse here,” Ghazarian said.

La Cañada Flintridge resident Carolyn Boosalis said she felt welcome at the event. “I am a very inquisitive person,” she said. “The officers and volunteers here today have all been very helpful and hospitable. I am grateful for their knowledge and expertise that helps keep us all safe.”