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The Walnut/Diamond Bar Station originally opened in 1987 as the 1st Regional Walnut/San Dimas Station, serving the areas of Walnut, Diamond Bar, San Dimas, and Unincorporated areas of the San Gabriel Valley, including the Angelus National Forest. The station has been host to nine Captains. The very first captain was Tom Vetter. We are sad to learn Tom Vetter passed away on January 16, 2021.

Tom was born in St. Louis, Missouri in June 1935. He joined the Marine Corps in 1952 and served with the 1st Marine Division in Korea in 1954. After his active duty, he served in the Marine Corp. Reserve until retiring in 1983 as Lieutenant Colonel.

Tom joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1958 and graduated Class #70 as the Honor Cadet. He served in various positions and was promoted to Sergeant in 1969, and in 1971 he was promoted to Lieutenant.

Tom took command of the Walnut/San Dimas Station. It was his pride and joy! In 1990 Tom was promoted to Commander and served in various roles until his retirement in 1994.

Most people did not know that Tom’s middle name was Marion, a name he was not fond of; When asked by people over the years what the “M” stood for, he would reply, “Marine.” Semper Fi!

God love you Tom, Rest in Peace!