Behind the Badge
A special photo exhibit showcasing the life of the woman believed to be Orange County’s first female law enforcement officer is on display in the lobby of the Old Orange County Courthouse.
Alice Chandler, 93, was 21 when she was invited to interview with then-Sheriff James Musick because of her reputation as a fine horsewoman.
An hour later, Musick handed Chandler a badge and told her mother to purchase a handgun for her daughter.
Alice’s mother purchased a 6-inch barrel S&W .32 caliber revolver for Alice, so she could perform her volunteer job as a deputy.
A crowd gathered to help celebrate the life of Dorothy Alice Chandler, 93, Orange County’s first female Sheriff’s Deputy, applauds with OC Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen, left, and OC Sheriff Don Barnes, right, while in the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Chandler’s job was to keep trespassers away from Peter’s Lake, a popular duck hunting and fishing spot situated on James Irvine’s private property.
But being a sheriff’s deputy was only one of Chandler’s numerous and diverse achievements.
The exhibit also chronicles her job as an Irvine Ranch cowgirl, riding instructor, trick rider, dog breeder, airplane pilot, horse trainer, riding instructor, dog breeder, missionary, movie extra, and model.
The Old Orange County Courthouse is at 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana. The exhibit is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Susan Huang, formerly of Garden Grove PD, with Dorothy Alice Chandler, 93, Orange County’s first female Sheriff’s Deputy, in front of a display of the Chandler’s mother, Connie Chandler, and The Chandler Ranch.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Dorothy Alice Chandler, 93, Orange County’s first female Sheriff’s Deputy, is interviewed by NBC News in front of an exhibit at the Old Orange County Courthouse.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Former Garden Grove Motor Officer Katherine Anderson and OC Sheriff Don Barnes gives Dorothy Alice Chandler, 93, Orange County’s first female Sheriff’s Deputy, a hug during a exhibit tour celebrating Chandler’s life. Garden Grove PD Cpl. Terra Ramirez is left.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
