`DEN MOTHER' TAKES CARE OF SANTA CLARITA COPS.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer

VALENCIA - Some consider Estelle Foley's job at the Santa Clarita sheriff's station as being as valuable as the deputies who patrol the streets.

When she heard that the department needed a map of the valley, she got them one. When deputies wanted to create a memorial to slain Deputy Hagop ``Jake'' Kuredjian, she helped raise money for a rose garden.

``I'm there to help enhance the image of the law enforcement,'' Foley said. ``I'm there to give the deputies whatever they need to make their life a little bit easier and a little bit nicer.''

The 20-year volunteer has become a staple at the local station and a grandmother figure to many deputies.

She has created the Knox Bok Key System, which makes it easier for deputies to enter gated communities, spearheaded an effort to organize school dances and created a book that helps new deputies get acquainted with the valley.

``Whenever she finds out that the deputies need something, she gets directly involved and gets them what they need,'' said Lt. Steve Dolan.

``If this was the Cub Scout pack, she would be the den mother.''

Foley serves on the station's Community Advisory Committee, for which she designed the logo, introduced the teen court program and has served as secretary for years.

This year, she created a historical wall for the station's lobby that includes photos of the valley's jails, its earliest transportation, past commanders and veteran deputies.

``It occurred to me when I was walking down the hall and realized how bare the walls were,'' she said. ``I'm an idea person and thought the historical wall would really suit the station.''

She was also instrumental in creating the ``Jake'' Kuredjian Memorial Garden in a private courtyard between the courthouse and the sheriff's station, where 17 roses bushes were planted to represent each year the deputy - slain last year in a shootout - wore a uniform.

For her work on that project, she was awarded a recognition pin - the highest medal a volunteer can receive.

``She's on a par with the best of the best,'' Deputy Artie Thompson said. ``Her heart is in the right place. I don't know of all that many people who would give so much of her time.''

When she isn't catering to the men and women in uniform, Foley tags along with deputies on their routes and listens to a police scanner while at home. She's also found time to write a book about the history of the Santa Clarita Valley.

As a retired office manager, Foley got involved with the local sheriff's station in 1983 when administrators were seeking translators. She speaks fluent Spanish.

She soon expanded her duties, and began volunteering as a clerk.

``They offered me a job, but I don't want to work,'' Foley said. ``I will stay as long as they let me and as long as I have something to contribute.''

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Photo:

Volunteer Estelle Foley put together this historical photo display for the Santa Clarita sheriff's station.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer