CELEBRATING OUR PAST.
SECURING YOUR FUTURE.
Since 1946, the dedicated men and women of Bay Alarm have brought their best each and every day. It’s been that way from day one and will continue for generations to come.
75 YEARS
OF BRINGING OUR BEST
Our first 75 years have been filled with innovation, security expertise, and personal service that’s the best in the businesses. We’re a third-generation family business that’s grown to become the largest independently-owned security company in the United States. We’re not sitting still, we’ll continue to go the extra mile today, and for generations to come.
EXPLORE BAY ALARM'S 75 YEARS OF HISTORY
This is the story of a family-owned company founded on a simple principle: “Do your absolute best every time and you’ll be successful.” You see, for the Westphals it’s never been about being the biggest, it’s always been about being the best. This principle is alive and well today and remains the backbone of the company’s culture.
The Bay Alarm story spans decades and reflects the dedication, accomplishments and professional pride that comes from being the best at what you do.
1946
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
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
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.
Read Our STORIES
At Bay Alarm, we’re passionate about hiring people with great values. People who work hard, are true to their word, and put others ahead of themselves. Here are their stories.
Mike creates an environment that allows people to reach and stretch as far as they can go
As part of the Bay Alarm family for nearly 15 years, Mike thinks about the human being in the equation, not just the mechanical parts.
- Problem solver to the extreme
- Always there to help
- Sees the potential in others
- Encourages and fosters growth