Kathryn McLean joins her husband Steve at the podium during the dinner and ceremony honoring his 31 years with the Sheriff's Department and his stint as Altadena's captain on April 13, 2012.
by Timothy Rutt
Steven McLean, Altadena's departing sheriff captain, was honored Friday night at Pasadena's Masonic Lodge in an emotional tribute marking his retirement after almost 32 years as a deputy sheriff.
In his two years as captain, Altadena's crime rate dropped, outreach to the community increased, and McLean kept himself visible in the community by going to a vast number of public meetings and even worshipping in local churches on Sunday. During the course of the evening he received multiple honors and tributes from members of the sheriff's office and the community. We have more pictures after the jump.
McLean is honored by chair Dr. Sandra Thomas,and other members of the Altadena Town Council. In the back row, from left, Greg Middleton, Okorie Ezieme, Ken Roberts, and DIane Marcussen.
Although McLean served in many capacities in the Sheriff's Department he was never a detective -- athough that didn't stop him from trying. Former Altadena Det. Lt. Joseph Dempsey told several stories about McLean's well-meaning but sometimes ineffective efforts at crime-solving. Here, Dempsey present McLean a plaque naming him an honorary detective.
Tom Hubbard recites a piece of doggerel he composed for the occasion.
Sheriff Chief Neal Tyler was one of several members of law enforcement (including Pasadena Police Chief Philip Sanchez) who spoke to honor McLean's service.
McLean and his successor, current Altadena Capt. John Benedict , exchange some words at the tribute.
McLean said he want to spend more time with his wife and two daughters and get more involved with his church, but he's not saying much more than that.
