BACK FIGHTING CRIME DEPUTY RETURNS FROM GUARD DUTY.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - After spending nine months serving his country as a military reserve, sheriff's Deputy Artie Thompson returned to the Santa Clarita Valley station Tuesday to a homecoming, complete with hugs and handshakes.

Thompson, a reserve with the Air National Guard, was activated in October following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington and was stationed at Los Angeles International Airport to provide additional security.

``It's nice to come to the station and be welcomed back so graciously,'' said Thompson, an 18-year veteran with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. ``I'm kind of overwhelmed. It's like going back to school after spring break.''

Celebrating his return, fellow deputies created a banner reading ``Welcome Back Artie,'' tied patriotic balloons to his chair and honored him during a 2 p.m. briefing.

``We're glad he came back,'' said Sgt. Carrie Stuart. ``We're glad he's home safely.''

Thompson has been with the Air National Guard wing based at Channel Islands for 20 years - in part inspired by his brother who was in the U.S. Army and partly to show his pride for his country.

``We do this with pride,'' Thompson said, adding that his partner, a fellow military reservist and also a deputy at the station, returned about a month ago. ``We're glad we did what we did.''

At the station, Thompson is assigned to the Crime Prevention/Community Relations team and oversees the reserve deputies and community events. Fellow deputies and a supervising sergeant filled in for Thompson during his absence while he worked with Operation Safe Passage.

``The National Guard was activated throughout the country to encourage the traveling public to feel safe again,'' Thompson said. ``It's a real threat that something could have happened there.''

Though his assignment ended Monday, he says the base where he is stationed is currently and constantly sending military units throughout the world and could be activated at any time.

``My bags are still packed and I'm still ready to go,'' he said.

He said some reservists were called to battle wildfires plaguing the West.

``It takes a special person to give that type of commitment to your country,'' said Sgt. Steve Jenkins, Thompson's immediate supervisor, who hugged him upon his return. ``You have to put your own life on hold to serve your country.

``He was working in Los Angeles but he could have been assigned anywhere in the world,'' Jenkins added.

Dressed in military fatigues and carrying M-16 rifles and side arms, Thompson said the best part about serving was the thanks he received from travelers.

``We're in a lot of photo albums,'' Thompson said.

The long 12-hour days and being away from his family were the most difficult, he said.

``I had a picture of my wife and kids with me at all times, along with my dog tags,'' Thompson said. ``My wife would cry when I had to leave.''

Being stationed in Southern California, Thompson was allowed to return to his home on days off.

``The September 11 thing made me appreciate my family more,'' Jenkins said. ``It makes me think how lucky you are.''

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Photo:

Deputy Artie Thompson receives a warm welcome back at the Santa Clarita Valley station.

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer