On his 80th birthday, former Sacramento Sheriff Lou Blanas (fourth from left) is hosted at the Milagro Centre, Carmichael. Joining Blanas are Milagro owners Allan and Sue Davis, Nan Blanas, Sheriff Jim Cooper, Supervisor Rich Desmond, former District Attorney Ann Marie Schubert, retired Sheriff’s Captain Tim Sheehan, Undersheriff Mike Ziegler and former Park Ranger John Mohamed.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) – Law enforcement giants rubbed shoulders with civic luminaries as former Sacramento Sheriff Lou Blanas marked his 80th birthday.

Arden Arcade resident Blanas headed the Sheriff’s Department for two terms, retiring in 2006. Friends, family and former colleagues recently rallied for birthday celebrations at the Milagro Centre. Corks popped and hors d’oeuvres circulated. The towering lawman and his wife Nan greeted more than 150 guests.

Tributes came thick and fast.

“Lous was like a dad to all of us,” said current Sheriff Jim Cooper. “He knew all of his officers’ names and he was loyal as hell to us. We all loved him.”

Under Sheriff Mike Ziegler recalled his former boss advising staff not to worry in a crisis.

“He told us there'd always be another one coming,” he said. 

Current Sacramento Sheriff Jim Cooper (left) parades party favors with his octogenarian predecessor, Lou Blanas.

“So many benefitted from Lou being in the Sheriff’s chair,” said Ziegler. “He taught us we all served a purpose in his organization and that he was grateful for every one of us.”

Former District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert acknowledged she and Sheriff Blanas had their differences through the years.

“One thing we can both agree on now is that you are old,” she laughed.

“The true test of a leader is their impact,” Schubert continued. “You were responsible for selecting the best people for your department. Going forward, your decisions impacted everybody.”

Former Undersheriff Carol Daly recalls being chosen as the first woman to occupy the department’s number two position.

“When you asked me to be your Undersheriff,” Daly told Blanas, “you made it sound like a marriage proposal. The next two years brought memories that I’ll cherish forever. Above all, I remember how respectful you were - to everybody.”

Blanas started his police department career in 1968. He headed law enforcement at Cal Expo before joining the Sheriff’s staff in 1986. In retirement, he divides time between family, a pet dog called Buddy and a passion for golf.

Milagro Centre owners Sue and Allan Davis share cake with birthday boy Lou Blanas.

Former CHP officer and County Supervisor Rich Desmond considered learning from Lou Blanas a life-long passage.

“Your example convinced me that loving this community meant stepping up to make it better,” said Desmond.

He credited the former Sheriff for persuading him to run for elected office.

“It’s been wonderful having you on hand for advice,” Desmond continued.  “Your service inspired me, and your support has helped shape my Board of Supervisors tenure.”

Clinking glasses with former colleagues, the top cop declared himself overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.

“I never thought I’d make it this long,” Blanas said. “I have to thank Nan - my wonderful wife of nearly 56 years - for everything. Her love - and this celebration - have made me feel on top of the world.”