Page 29 - Duarte Fall 2025

Are You Prepared
For An Emergency?
Following a major disaster, police, fire and medical professionals
may not be available to immediately respond to 9-1-1 calls. People
will have to rely on each other to meet the immediate life saving
and life sustaining needs, particularly in isolated neighborhoods
that may be cut off from the main roads for a period of time.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program
educates community members about disaster preparedness for
hazards that may impact their neighborhoods and trains them in
basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, team organization,
disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue. With
the training, community members will be enabled to take care of
their own needs and then the needs of their neighborhood and
community.
Location: Duarte Community Center (1600 E Huntington Drive)
Training Dates:
Saturday, November 8, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday, November 15, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday, November 16, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Participants MUST ATTEND ALL 3 DAYS (25+ HOURS) to receive a
certificate of completion.
All participants must be at least 18 years of age. Individuals who
are 16 - 17 years old may attend if accompanied by a parent or
legal guardian.
Duarte residents and community members will be given priority
registration. Registration is on a first-come, first registered
basis. Registration opens on Monday, September 1 at 12 PM.
Registration will be completed via Eventbrite.
Scan the QR code
for more information.
HOOK’D & BOOK’D
On June 11, 2025, the Duarte Special Assignment Team was
conducting a proactive patrol when they spotted a familiar face, a
known gang member and convicted felon strolling down Mountain
Avenue. Deputies instantly recognized him from prior encounters,
and they spotted a black handgun that was visibly tucked into his
waistband.
The moment eye contact was made, the suspect bolted. Deputy
Gonzales sprang into action, launching a foot pursuit through
backyards and over fences. Though the suspect briefly slipped
out of view, the chase didn’t end there. Thanks to quick-thinking
deputies, backup support, and Duarte residents calling in tips, a
containment was set up with help from LA County’s Aero helicopter,
which also swooped in to assist.
The suspect was detained for evading police, possession of a
firearm by a felon, and a gang enhancement.
This arrest highlights the unmatched support Duarte receives from
the LA County Sheriff’s Department, showing how public safety
thrives when law enforcement and the community work together.
If you see something suspicious, please be a good witness, not a
bystander. Call Temple Sheriff Station Dispatch at (626) 285-7171
or 911 if it is an immediate threat.
PUBLIC SAFETY
SPOTLIGHT
Welcome
Sgt. Lamont E.
Dobbins Jr.
We are proud to introduce Sergeant Lamont E. Dobbins Jr.,
who officially began his assignment in Duarte in May 2025 after
being selected from a highly competitive pool of candidates.
His appointment reflects not only his exceptional qualifications
but also his longstanding commitment to public service and
mental health advocacy.
Sgt. Dobbins brings a unique blend of law enforcement
leadership and mental health expertise. Before joining the
Sheriff’s Department, he spent seven years with the Los Angeles
County Department of Mental Health as a Care Coordinator.
There, he led five multidisciplinary teams in outreach efforts
that connected vulnerable individuals across the county to
critical housing and support services.
Since joining the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
in 2007, Sgt. Dobbins has amassed over 17 years of field
experience in various vital roles. He was initially assigned to
Men’s Central Jail (custody) and subsequently to Lomita Station,
where he worked as a patrol deputy. After several years
on the streets, Sgt. Dobbins became a member of the COPS
(Community Oriented Policing Services), collaborating with
residents to mitigate violent crime. Leveraging his extensive
experience in mental health services, Sgt. Dobbins joined the
Mental Evaluation Team (MET), providing crisis intervention
and support to individuals facing psychiatric emergencies.
With a solid foundation in crisis intervention and support,
Sgt. Dobbins moved to the Risk Assessment and Management
Program (MET/RAMP) team, where he focused on assisting
individuals with severe mental illness through comprehensive
case management and follow-up. In 2022, Sgt. Dobbins was
promoted to the position of Sergeant and was assigned to
the Century Regional Detention Facility. During his tenure at
CRDF, Sgt. Dobbins oversaw the mental health housing unit,
maintaining his commitment to high-needs populations and
safety.
In 2024, Sgt Dobbins transferred to Temple Station and began
serving the San Gabriel Valley community. His educational
background includes a B.S. in Public Administration from CSU
Dominguez Hills and an M.S. in Criminal Justice from Tiffin
University.
Sgt. Dobbins’ arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the
Public Safety Department. His passion for bridging the gap
between mental health and law enforcement, his commitment
to proactive outreach, and his deep understanding of
community engagement make him a tremendous asset.
“We’re fortunate to have someone with Sgt. Dobbins’ experience,
education, and heart for service,” said Director Larry Breceda.
“He truly understands what it takes to build trust and safety,
especially for our most vulnerable residents.”
Please join us in welcoming Sgt. Dobbins a dedicated leader
ready to serve with integrity and compassion.
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