LOS ANGELES — Shaaron Claridge, a voice known to many in the police world, has passed away, according to a report from the Los Angeles Police Museum.
If you are in the “OG” category, you were likely a fan of “Adam 12” in your formative years, or perhaps you were some part of the real world of Los Angeles policing during the era.
“1-Adam-12, 1-Adam-12, respond to a 459 (burglary) in progress…”
The soothing police dispatcher’s voice heard throughout the series sending officers on calls for service was that of Claridge.
The show starred Martin Milner as Officer Pete Malloy and Kent McCord as Officer Jim Reed. It’s emphasis was to realistically capture a typical day in the life of LAPD officers. The show ran from September 21, 1968, through May 20, 1975, and helped to introduce police procedures and jargon to the general public.
According to the LA Police Museum, Claridge passed away Sept. 15. She would have been 83 on Oct. 1.
“Shaaron Claridge, also known by the last name ‘Snead’, passed away on September 15th. She was an LAPD radio operator who also voiced the dispatcher heard on all but three episodes of ‘Adam-12,'” the museum said in a tweet.
Shaaron Claridge, also known by the last name "Snead", passed away on September 15th. She was an LAPD radio operator who also voiced the dispatcher heard on all but three episodes of "Adam-12". pic.twitter.com/cp7B7DL0MU
— LA Police Museum (@LA_PoliceMuseum) September 28, 2021
We (police officers) rarely thank our police dispatchers and radio operators, but on this solemn occasion, we say “thank you” to the competent professionals who have our backs from behind the mic.
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