RODRIGUEZ TO COMMAND AREA STATION; LOCAL RESIDENT FILLS SHERIFF'S POST.

Byline: Stacy Brown Daily News Staff Writer

Sheriff's Lt. Donald Rodriguez, a longtime Santa Clarita Valley resident, was named commander Tuesday of the local sheriff's station.

Surrounded by family members and wearing a nervous smile, Rodriguez acknowledged he has a tough task in filling outgoing Capt. Mike Quinn's shoes.

``I am nervous and I know that this will be tough. Captain Quinn has done a wonderful job and I look forward to the challenge of taking over for him,'' Rodriguez said.

Last month Quinn was notified by Sheriff Sherman Block that he was being promoted and reassigned, prompting a search for a new chief in the largest contract city in Los Angeles County.

City Manager George Caravalho headed an interview panel that chose Rodriguez from a list of three candidates provided by the sheriff.

``We used a collaborative approach in selecting the new captain,'' Caravalho said. ``We wanted to hear from those involved in the community and I think the decision to hire Rodriquez was pretty unanimous.''

The panel that made the final decision consisted of representatives from United Mothers, Youth Alliance, the Sheriff's Community Advisory Committee as well as community members and city department heads.

Mayor Jan Heidt said the fact Rodriguez lives in the area and knows the community was a plus.

``It wasn't a deciding factor, but he expressed to us his wanting to get involved and his willingness to communicate with the community,'' Heidt said.

Rodriguez, who was accompanied by his mother and father - Richard and Nicki Rodriguez - his wife, JoAnn, and her mother, Betty McCurdy, has been with the Sheriff's Department since 1972. His past assignments include work at the Pitchess Detention Center, the Lynwood and East Los Angeles stations and recently at the Contract Law Enforcement Bureau in Commerce.

``I'm so excited to be named the new captain for Santa Clarita. I believe I will be a positive influence and can truly make a difference,'' Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez and his wife, residents for 19 years, have a 18-year-old son who attends Saugus High School. He is due to be promoted to the rank of captain.

Rodriguez was chosen for the top post over 26-year veteran John Michael Bauer, a captain in the Special Enforcement Bureau, and Dennis Burns, a lieutenant at the Lennox station.

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PHOTO (color) Longtime Santa Clarita Valley resident Donald Rodriguez will command the Santa Clarita sheriff's station.

Terri Thuente/Daily News