1940s

The 40s and 50s saw sheer will and determination turn into a fledgling family business.

1946

Everett and Marj Westphal had a vision to help people protect what was most important to them, so they founded the Bay Alarm company in Oakland, CA.

1950s

For the next 10 years they operated the company from their home and processed billing and paperwork with a typewriter they rented for 25 cents.

1956

Growing steadily, Bay Alarm operations moved from the family home into its first company office on Marin Way in Oakland.

1960s

For Bay Alarm, the 60s brought new blood, new technology and a knockout punch to their biggest competitor.

1960

“Do your best each and every time and treat people the way you want to be treated”. This was the family mantra. This approach to the business proved successful as Bay Alarm welcomed its 1,000th customer in 1960.

1962

In 1962 the second generation of the Westphal family joined the company’s official ranks. Bruce Westphal graduated from San Jose State University and joined Bay Alarm.

1964

In 1964 with the need for more room, the company established its first central station at its new headquarters on 7th street in Oakland and Roger Westphal, Bruce’s brother, joined the company. Bruce and Roger would rotate sleeping on a cot in the central station when they were on 24-hour call.

Bay Alarm received a US Patent for technology that revolutionized the business.

1966

A true David and Goliath moment. 1966 saw Bay Alarm win an anti-monopoly suit against ADT paving the way for future growth, not only for the Westphal’s but for every independent alarm company in the country. Bruce Westphal went on to form the Bay Area Alarm Association.

1970s

A decade of new leadership and continued innovation.

1973

Staying true to its commitment to technological advancement, Bay Alarm built the first fully computerized Central Monitoring Station in California.

1974

In 1974, visionary and inventor Bruce Westphal became president of Bay Alarm Company. Roger and Bruce developed a strategy for acquisitions that would fuel the company’s growth for generations to come.

“Dad gave me an incredible foundation in knowing how to run a business. The principle he taught me was all decisions simply have to make business sense.” – BRUCE WESTPHAL

1976

In 1976, with an eye on diversification, Balco Properties was formed, allowing the family to extend its investments into technology and acquire commercial and residential real estate. Reed and Mollie Westphal went on to play significant roles in the continuing success of this family-owned business.

1978

In 1978, Bay Alarm made its first acquisition of a security provider in California, purchasing Security Alarm Company.

1979

Under Roger’s leadership, Bay Alarm management and a team of software developers fully automated the Central Monitoring Station in 1979, creating newfound efficiencies that once again revolutionized the business.

 “The first time we came online, we had all of these people just staring in amazement at it, including myself. What was so surprising was that it actually worked! We were now the first alarm company to be fully automated.” – ROGER WESTPHAL

1980s

The digital revolution was developing in the ’80s, and Bay Alarm embraced new technology while expanding beyond the Bay Area.

1981

With the acquisition of SAS in Santa Barbara, the company expanded into Southern California.

Bruce was named president of the Western Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.

1982

Continuing their legacy of progressive thinking, Bruce and Roger made a substantial technological commitment to go digital. This meant replacing every single customer’s alarm panel. All hands were on deck for this monumental task, which was accomplished in record time.

Just one year later, Bay Alarm signed its 50,000th customer.

1984

Roger Westphal became president in 1984. Under his leadership, Bay Alarm built its own cellular network, eliminating the need for third-party phone lines and creating more operational efficiencies.

During Roger’s term as president, the company expanded its service offerings in Northern California. Acquiring California Security Services and Lodi Alarm allowed Bay Alarm to better serve the greater Central Valley region.

Bay Alarm updated its logo to the one you see on properties everywhere today.

1986

Bay Alarm continued its commitment to greater customer support and technological advancement by adding central stations in Stockton and Ventura in 1986.

Capping off a decade of growth through significant acquisition activity, Bay Alarm acquired Sacramento Security, Transbay Alarm Systems, Placer Alarm Systems, Design Security Systems, ATI Security Systems, Peninsula Burglar Alarms, and Delta Alarms.