Santa Barbara’s New Undersheriff Makes Debut in Rose Parade

Santa Barbara’s new undersheriff in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.

Melekian takes his new role on Jan. 5.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown announced his selection of Bernard “Barney” Melekian as his new undersheriff, to be effective next week.

Melekian’s qualifications include many years of distinguished public service at both the local and federal level.

Melekian was on the American-Armenian Rose Parade float for its 5.5 mile parade route down Colorado Blvd. on New Years Day.

The float celebrates the story of Armenian immigrants who have contributed to society.

The float named ‘Cradle of Civilization,’ is parked out in the Pasadena right now with nearly 40 other floats.

This was the groups first Rose Parade appearance.

Reneh Simonian, with the American Armenian Rose Float said it was an honor for us to have the former Pasadena police chief on the float.

The America Armenian Rose Float Association is a non-profit organization.

One hundred years ago the Tournament of Roses chose Mr. Pasigian, an Armenian-American as the Grand Marshall, but this was the first time the Armenian-American community has been represented as a float.

For more information on AARFA visit aarfa.org.