Sam Laganà Sworn In as Honorary Town Sheriff

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Lifelong Palisadian Sam Laganà was sworn in as Honorary Town Sheriff during a ceremony on Wednesday, March 12, at American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283.

Accompanied by Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park and Palisades Patrol CEO Scott Wagenseller, Laganà raised his right hand and took the oath as recited to him by Pacific Palisades Community Council President Emeritus Maryam Zar.

“I am both humbled and honored to stand before you today as I accept the role of honorary town sheriff,” he said. “This title is more than a badge—it represents a commitment to safeguard not only our community’s soul, but its history and the spirit of unity that makes our Palisades so uniquely cherished.”

Laganà’s career spans decades of service, including a 19-year tenure as associate vice chancellor at Pepperdine University and another two-plus years as president and CEO of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks.

“In accepting this honorary role, I pay tribute to those who have faithfully served as honorary town sheriff over the past 20 years,” Laganà continued. “I extend my deepest reverence to Don Haselkorn, Rich Wilken, Townsend Bell, Mike Skinner, Mike Lanning and Roger McGrath. Their leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to our community have set a high standard and laid the foundation upon which we continue to build. Their legacy reminds us that the strength of Pacific Palisades lies in our shared commitment to one another and to preserving the unique heritage that defines us.”

Wilken, who was the initial honorary town sheriff in 2003 and Citizen of the Year in 2010, attended the March 12 ceremony to congratulate his friend.

Laganà’s home in Marquez Knolls survived the Palisades fire, and he and his wife, Eileen, are temporarily staying in an apartment in Santa Monica.

“Today, as we embark on a new chapter—our ongoing rebuild following the January firestorms—we are presented with both a challenge and an opportunity,” Laganà continued. “Our goal is not simply to construct new structures and fix legacy homes, but to weave our future with the threads of our past. We aim to ensure that every new development, every restoration, every community initiative and every policy reflects the historic ethos of Pacific Palisades. Our mission is to preserve the quaint charm, the rich traditions and the heartfelt camaraderie that have defined our town for generations.”

Laganà is a beloved voice in sports and entertainment, having served as the stadium announcer for the Rams since the NFL franchise’s return to Los Angeles and chairing sporting events such as the John R. Wooden Award.

From being named Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce’s Businessman of the Year in 2007 to winning a Golden Sparkplug Award from PPCC in 2011, serving on the boards of organizations like Palisades-Malibu YMCA, Marquez Charter Elementary School, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, and Westcoast Sports Associates, Laganà has given back to his hometown in spades.

He was appointed to LA City Recreation and Parks’ regional planning group by Councilmember Cindy Miscikowski, served on the committee to build the new gym at Palisades Recreation Center and had two stints on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, he was named honorary fire chief, recognized as Neighborhood Hero in 2018 and honored as Hometown Hero in 2023 by KCBS Los Angeles. That year, Laganà was inducted into the Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame in recognition of two decades of contributions to the sport.

He has announced the Palisades Will Rogers 5 & 10K on the Fourth of July and Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. In January 2024 he spoke at the Palisades P.R.I.D.E. town clock dedication on the corner of Swarthmore and Sunset.

“I believe our strength lies in unity and positivity,” Laganà added. “On this journey, we will work hand in hand with residents, local businesses and community leaders to bring everyone together for our common good of committing to the Palisades. We will focus on aligning the best interests of our community—preserving our traditions, protecting our neighborhoods and prospering as one cohesive small town in mass society. Together, we can create an environment where every citizen feels valued, where the past is honored, and where our future shines brightly with the promise of growth, innovation and mutual respect.”

A 1980 Palisades Charter High School alum, Laganà helped grow the popularity of the AVP Tour, and was an announcer for Davis Cup tennis, CSUN football and the Arena League’s LA Avengers—all while raising two daughters.

“As your honorary town sheriff, I commit to being a guardian not only of our public safety, but also of the values that make our community special,” Laganà concluded. “I promise to work with an uplifting spirit, to listen to your voices and to act with integrity, ensuring that Pacific Palisades remains a place we are all proud to call home. Thank you for entrusting me with this role. Let us move forward with Sheriffs objectives to enhance the spirit of unity, honor our history and build a future that continues to preserve, protect and prosper Pacific Palisades.”

With that, Park put the custom-made badge around the honoree’s neck and the hat on his head before joining guests in attendance for sandwiches and refreshments.