 In 1971, when Dennis LeBlanc was a rookie officer fresh out of the police academy for the California State Police, he was assigned to Governor Ronald Reagan’s security detail. This was the beginning of their long-term working relationship and friendship. When Reagan left office in January of 1975, he asked Dennis to join his Los Angeles staff. Reagan had plans to become a future presidential candidate and Dennis was in charge of his travel plans as well as advance security work. Five months after Reagan lost the Republican nomination to incumbent President Ford in 1976, Dennis’ wife became pregnant with twin boys and he took a job with a local telephone company to be closer to home. In May of 1979, Dennis was granted a leave of absence to become Reagan’s “Tour Director,” until his landslide 1980 victory. Dennis then served two years in the White House as Deputy Director of the White House Military Office overseeing the president’s travel and security plans. Dennis helped build and improve the Reagan’s 688-acre rural ranch in Santa Barbara and became the spokesperson and decision maker for the property. When Ronald and Nancy Reagan went to the ranch, Dennis accompanied them even after leaving his job at the White House. Eventually, the ranch was sold to Young America’s Foundation. The Young America’s Foundation has provided photos for Dennis to use in his presentation. This will be a unique opportunity to learn more about our 40th president of the United States, as well as the ranch he and Nancy loved. Dennis has some fun stories to share. Questions are encouraged!
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