During the 70’s and 80’s the emphasis of the enterprise shifted more toward the electronic side of the security industry. Jarl changed the name of the company to FIRST ALARM and began to broaden the horizons of the firm. The residential market was a great source of business, but commercial and industrial markets were becoming a larger part of First Alarm's sales. The company began adding schools districts, city and county government facilities, manufacturing plants, etc. Most of the clients were within Santa Cruz County. However, demand for our products and services was starting to come from surrounding counties.

First Alarm made many acquisitions of other small alarm companies. The acquisition of Custom Electric in 1987 resulted in the creation of our first satellite branch. Concurrently, the Patrol Division began expanding. Demand for private patrol of private communities and business developments was on the rise and First Alarm was the only local company that could provide both electronic and uniform guard services, filling a very important niche.

First Alarm's biggest test came in October, 1989 when the devastating Loma Prieta earthquake struck. But, the Total Security concept at First Alarm made it possible to physically check high profile target accounts using patrol assets as electronic systems were being restored by alarm technicians.

In 1993 First Alarm opened its new corporate headquarters in Aptos, CA. This building represents one of the most modern security facilities in the industry and became the focal point for a dramatic expansion in the 90’s.

The expansion began with the opening of the South Santa Clara County branch in Gilroy, allowing First Alarm to compete in the Silicon Valley. Expansion continued with the acquisition of Cypress Alarm in Monterey in 1996, greatly increasing both customer and employee base. In the last for years, branches have been opened in San Jose, Oakland, and Petaluma to further exploit the dynamic opportunities of the Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area.

Today, First Alarm employs nearly 450 people and has been nationally recognized as the 36th largest security company in the United States. For more information about our products and services, contact any First Alarm branch.