After traveling the state, CHP Capt. Steve Strull returns to his roots.

By Maddy PUMILIA

The foothill community was introduced to the new captain of the California Highway Patrol for the Altadena Station at the CV Town Council meeting.

CHP Lieutenant Steve Strull was promoted to the position of captain replacing Capt. Bill Dance who was promoted to assistant chief and will oversee several CHP areas.

“It’s a very good feeling,” Strull said of his promotion.

Strull will be in command of approximately 72 officers and nine sergeants. He will be responsible for patrolling the road and supporting other law enforcement agencies. The CHP supports the Crescenta Valley Sheriffs and the Pasadena, Glendale and Burbank police. In addition, they help out state properties and agencies like the DMV, state employment development department and the courts.

As captain, Strull will be overseeing the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles that include La Crescenta, Altadena, portions of Rosemead, Angeles Crest Highway, Tujunga and the Ventura (101) Freeway, Hollywood (170) Freeway, and the Foothill (210) Freeway from the Ronald Reagan (118) Freeway to Rosemead and the Golden State (5) Freeway from Griffith Park to the 118. In short, his officers patrol more than 62 miles of freeway and 368 miles of county roadway.

“I’m one of the luckiest people in the department. Usually people are reassigned. This time, I was very fortunate because I didn’t have to relocate,” Strull said.

Strull started his career in Altadena as an officer. But back then, it was called Glendale instead of Altadena. After that, he was moved downtown into investigative services. There, he saw gangs and narcotics. He then moved to the June Lake Resident Post in the Eastern Sierra. He stayed there for five years and pretty much worked out of his house because it was such a remote location.

Strull was promoted and as a sergeant served in West L.A. and Altadena. In 1999, he was promoted to lieutenant where he served in Oakland and then in Altadena.

In 2004, he transferred back to West L.A. to help fight gangs and prevent “cruising.” A month ago, he came home to Altadena as a lieutenant.

“I think I probably got the best job in the world,” Strull said. “I’ve been all over the state … without, a doubt the communities of La Crescenta, La Cañada and Altadena are the best … it’s a pleasure to be here.”

  MADDY PUMILIA