Our Story · Since 1986
Veteran-Owned, Family-Operated Security for Southern California
Founded in 1986 by a Vietnam combat veteran and built on the same principles we patrol by today: discipline, accountability, and a personal commitment to every property we protect across Ventura, Los Angeles & North Orange County.
- CA PPO-9557
- Founded 1986
- A+ BBB Rating
- Ventura · LA · Orange
Our Story
Founded by a Vietnam Veteran & Purple Heart Recipient
Americal Patrol was founded in 1986 by Don Peterson, a Purple Heart recipient who served in the U.S. Army's Americal Division during the Vietnam War, the only Army division known by name rather than number. After more than two decades in uniform, Don didn't walk away from service, he channeled it into building a security company that operates the same way he did on patrol: with discipline, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the communities he protects.
For nearly four decades, Americal Patrol has remained family-owned and operated. That means every client gets real accountability, not a corporate call center. When something needs attention, you reach the people in charge. Today the company is led by Sam Alarcon and continues to operate on those same principles across Ventura, Los Angeles, and North Orange County.
Military Heritage
The Americal Division
The Americal Division holds a singular distinction in American military history: it is the only U.S. Army division named rather than numbered.
Formed in May 1942 from Task Force 6814 in New Caledonia, its name is a contraction of "Americans in New Caledonia", a unit assembled far from home, under difficult conditions, to defend allied interests in the Pacific.
The division went on to serve with distinction throughout the Pacific theater of World War II, earning a reputation for toughness and adaptability in some of the war's most grueling campaigns.
When Don Peterson chose to name his company after the Americal Division, he was making a deliberate statement: that the values forged in service, discipline, resilience, loyalty to those who depend on you, don't retire when a uniform comes off. They carry forward.
- OnlyNamed, not numbered
- 1942Formed in New Caledonia
- WWIIPacific Theater service
What Sets Us Apart
The Standards We Patrol By
These aren't slogans. They're the standards Don operated by for decades in uniform, and the standards every Americal Patrol officer is held to today.
Law-Enforcement Roots
Our discipline comes from real-world law enforcement and military experience, not a weekend certificate. Officers show up on time, in uniform, and conduct themselves with the standard that experience demands.
Real Accountability
Family-owned since 1986. When something needs attention, you reach the people in charge, not a call center. Our officers report what they see, when they see it, with no embellishment and no omission.
Local & Responsive
We live here. Protecting Southern California isn't a contract to us, it's personal. We're present when it matters most and responsive the moment you call, across Ventura, LA, and North Orange County.
Licensed & Insured
Fully licensed under CA PPO-9557 and properly insured. Our officers are background-checked, trained, and equipped, so the people protecting your property meet the standard the state and your liability require.
40+
Years in Business
A+
BBB Rating
3
Counties We Serve
24/7
24 Hour Dispatch
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Forty years of disciplined, veteran-led service, applied to protecting your property. Get a free consultation with no obligation.