By Mary O’KEEFE

The Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Tuesday for the Glendale Police substation that opened its newly remodeled facility.
The station was first opened in the 1990s and now – thanks to community donations – the station reflects more of the department and Montrose.
Led by Lt. Lola Abrahamian, North Area commander, the remodel incorporated the feel of a police station while keeping the personality of a small town.
Chief Ron De Pompa was on-site as the remodeled doors officially opened.
“This is exciting for us. [The substation] is a real important asset that connects the community,” De Pompa said.
GPD has divided the city into five areas. Each area has a commander and specific officers assigned to it. By doing this, they bring back community policing – that is the theory that police officers who know the community better can protect the community better.
The substation is an advantage for the police officers because it allows them to do paperwork closer to where they patrol and, with a more open conference area, will offer a more comfortable area for officers and community members to meet.
During the renovations, Abrahamian found a clock on a shelf. It was covered in paint and didn’t work. She had it repaired and cleaned and it now hangs above the counter in the lobby.
“Everyone in town wanted that clock,” said Pat Kerr, a longtime employee of Peet’s Stationers that previously had the clock.
Anita Peet Geyer owned Peet’s Stationers. The store has long closed and Geyer has passed away, but the clock was a special part of the store. Kerr came to the ribbon cutting to see the clock in operating condition again.
“Anita would be very happy,” she said.