THOMAS E. SPENCER PROMOTED TO CAPTAIN

Thomas E. Spencer, a 30-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was recently promoted to the rank of Captain by Sheriff Lee Baca, and has assumed command of the Special Enforcement Bureau.

Captain Spencer's career with the Sheriff's Department began in 1972. After graduating from the Training Academy as a Deputy Sheriff, he worked at various assignments, including the Hall of Justice Jail, Sybil Brand Institute, Transportation Bureau, and Lennox Station. Upon being promoted to Sergeant in 1986, Captain Spencer worked at Temple Station, Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau and Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau. After being promoted to Lieutenant in 1991, Captain Spencer was assigned to Pitchess Detention Center's East Facility, Lennox Station, Arson/Explosives Detail, Operations Lieutenant for the Long Term Strategic Planning Unit, and as a Chief's Aide.

Captain Spencer, along with Arson/Explosives personnel, developed a Post-Blast Investigation Course and the first Advanced Post-Blast Investigation Course in the nation. Both of these courses are taught to federal, state and local agencies throughout the United States. In 1999, Captain Spencer was elected to the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board and was elected Chairman in 2001. Additionally, he was selected to represent the Department with the Inter Agency Board for Standardization and Interoperability, Office of the Attorney General, for recommendations of safety equipment for all Bomb Squads in the United States.

In 1990, as a Sergeant assigned at Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau, Captain Spencer initiated the first "Toy Drive" for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, collecting $100,000 of donated toys. These toys, along with thousands of pounds of food donations, were distributed

to children throughout Los Angeles County. This tradition continues today.

Captain Spencer resides in Ventura County with his wife of 21 years, Barbara. He has two children; Brian, 20, a United States Marine, and Amanda, 18, a student and Gymnastics Instructor. In his spare time he enjoys fishing and camping.

Captain Spencer is completing his Bachelor of Science Degree in July from California State University, Long Beach, through the Department's LASD University program.

SHB-49A-03

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June 11, 2003