100-Year-Old Former Pasadena Police Woman Gets the Birthday Surprise of the Century

 

A motorcade of Pasadena Police Officers made the trek to Chino Thursday to deliver a very special surprise birthday gift to the home of 99 year old Marguerite Haskins on her 100th birthday.

The surprise visit comes just days after the department learned about the pioneering veteran who was Pasadena’s first policewoman, serving from 1942 to 1948.

“She was a true patriot and a proud member of this police department and we are super jazzed to go out and wish her a happy birthday on this special day,” said Pasadena Police Lt. Vasken Gourdikian.

Chief Phillip Sanchez and the special motorcade arrived at Haskin’s residence in Chino around noon Thursday and presented her with an honorary certificate, a bouquet of flowers, a birthday card and good company.

“What makes this special is she was likely a pioneer for women in law enforcement. In 1942, there weren’t many women in law enforcement and to have her listed as a Police Woman is a honor to women in law enforcement today. She was a pioneer, a groundbreaker in many ways and the fact that she was a member of the Pasadena Police Department makes it more special for us,” said Gourdikian.

Haskins was pleasantly surprised when the motorcade arrived at her residence, according to Gourdikian, who said she had an impressive memory and told stories of vintage Pasadena.

“She was very excited,” said Gourdikian. “She’s very healthy and very vibrant and full of humor.”

Haskins showed off treasures from the past that included her Pasadena Police identification card. She also worked at the original department location at 142 N. Arroyo Parkway. That building was located close to what is now the Metro Gold Line’s Memorial Park Station.

“She is a complete encyclopedia and walking history book,” said Gourdikian.

Haskins took a military leave of absence in 1944 from the Police Department after she was accepted into an all female Marine Corps reserve unit. She returned one year later and resumed her duties as a Police Woman.

Haskins resigned from the Pasadena Police Department in 1948 but later returned to the City of Pasadena in 1965 and worked as a fire alarm dispatcher and also a clerical assistant.

She resigned again, and finally, in 1971.

“She’s definitely lived a colorful life. We were fortunate to have met her,” said Gourdikian.