By Misty DUPLESSIS

On Oct. 13, an open house banner hung on the gate that usually opens for Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s patrol cars only.

For the last 30 years, the CV Sheriff’s Station has opened its doors to welcome the community to get a glimpse into what is normally closed off to the public.

There was no shortage of volunteer sheriffs available to assist guests with questions and provide informative statistics about all the inner workings of the station.

Visitors assembled in the Community Room before they began a 30-minute tour, led by volunteers and CV Explorers.

Some of the tour stops included the booking room, the holding cell and the Disaster Communication Service room and the Emergency Operation Center where many important meetings are held.

Volunteer Bill Latuf and his wife donate their time to help with things like patrolling and performing some of the many community projects the sheriff’s station is involved with like the annual toy drive.

“The purpose of the open house is to show the neighborhood what is offered to them. They can familiarize themselves with the station and what we do here,” said Latuf who has been volunteering for nine years and has given over 9,500 hours of his time.

Fire Dept. Capt. Henry Rodriguez and driver Kevin Taylor answered questions about their roles and how they assist the local sheriff department.

“We are assisting our sheriff friends since it is their open house. We work together in all sorts of incidents, like with over the side cars and we work in conjunction with the Search and Rescue,” said Taylor.

The CV Arson Watch taught people how to put a small fire out with a fire extinguisher in just a few simple steps.

Guests were also treated to a variety of booths provided by the Wildlife Waystation, DUI trailer (MADD) and the Fire Safety Council.

Reserve member of the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse division Tom Slosson shared information about that division while his horse Bosco posed for pictures.

“It’s a good way to patrol,” said Slosson, who has patrolled areas including the Malibu mountains and park concerts.

  MISTY DUPLESSIS