The City of Santa Clarita along with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station hosted an appreciation event to recognize deputies and staff for reducing crime in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Nearly 100 Los Angeles County Sheriffs and personnel were invited to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station to be congratulated for their achievement, Thursday.

“Many long years ago, I worked for the Los Angeles Police Department as a civilian,” said Mayor Pro Tem Marsha McLean. “I understand and I know first-hand some of what you go through every single day out there.”

Part 1 crimes, as explained by the Department of Justice include: murder, homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, vehicle theft, larceny theft and arson.

Sheriff Jim McDonnell joined the event to welcome those who attended and spoke about his appreciation for deputies and personnel under his command.

“We recognize what you’re doing and we appreciate what you’re doing,” said McDonnell.

Santa Clarita Valley residents saw a decrease in Part 1 crimes by more than 20 percent from 2017 to 2018.

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department managed to lower the amount of larceny thefts by 31.6 percent and grand theft autos 23.4 percent.

City and county officials accompanied Captain Robert Lewis at the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station to applaud station deputies for their achievement.

“To know that raising a family after 53 years in Santa Clarita, it really is a safe place we’re all coming home to,” said Captain Robert Lewis. “I want to work with you to drive the crime down even further, we do what we can as a team.”

During the event, all staff had a chance to win prizes from Santa Clarita businesses and individuals. Raffle winners took home items such as restaurant gift cards, theme park passes and Los Angeles Dodgers Dugout Club tickets.

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