About Us
Built on Service. Driven by Community.
Over a decade of protecting the people, homes, and businesses of the Columbia River Gorge.
Our Story
Founded on a Legacy of Community Service
Founded on a legacy of community service, 24/7 reliability, and a deeply human approach to public safety, Hood River Security has been protecting the people, homes, and businesses of the Columbia River Gorge for over a decade.
Our story is uniquely rooted in the local landscape. Our founder, Kenton Chandler, originally served the community by operating Hood River Towing Service. Facing tough winter road conditions, midnight emergency calls, and unpredictable roadside incidents, Kenton built a reputation for always answering the call when the Gorge needed help.
Kenton Chandler — Hood River Towing Service, the origin of Hood River Security's 24/7 rapid-response model.
From Roadside Assistance to Premium Protection
As local businesses and properties began looking for reliable, alert, and responsive eyes on the ground, Kenton realized that the same 24/7 rapid-response network powering the towing operation could serve a greater need: private security.
What began as an added specialized service offered alongside towing quickly proved essential. The demand for dedicated, professional, and preventative protection grew so quickly that in 2015, Hood River Security was officially established as its own full-time, independent security entity.
New Chapter
A Modern Approach to Community-First Security
On July 1, 2026, the company entered a new chapter under the ownership of longtime security professional Dion Pyle. Having worked directly alongside Kenton for four years, Dion took over the reins with a bold vision: merging traditional asset protection with empathetic community advocacy.
Before stepping into private security full-time, Dion spent four years serving as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor. By integrating this extensive experience into the Hood River Security model, our team looks at security through a completely different lens. We understand that situational awareness requires more than just a uniform — it requires communication, crisis de-escalation, and human empathy.
This specialized training allows us to work effectively with community members and build seamless partnerships with local law enforcement. When our patrols encounter individuals experiencing crisis or unwanted behavior on a property, we don't just displace the problem; we actively coordinate with local resource networks to get people connected with the right people, support, and services.
Dion Pyle
Owner & Director of Operations
Empathetic Leadership in Action — Dion's unique background in crisis intervention and communication ensures our security team operates with unparalleled de-escalation skills and community focus.
Hood River Security — Event Deployment
What Sets Us Apart
24/7 Rapid Response
Born from a towing operation that never slept, our dispatch model is built for around-the-clock reliability — not 9-to-5 security theater.
Crisis De-Escalation
Our owner's background as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor means our officers are trained to communicate, de-escalate, and connect — not just confront.
Law Enforcement Partnership
We monitor police scanners, self-dispatch to 911 calls at client properties, and maintain active working relationships with local law enforcement agencies.
Community Roots
We've been part of this community since before we were a security company. We know the Gorge, its people, and its challenges better than any outside firm ever could.
Our Capabilities
- Commercial & Retail Patrols
- Residential & HOA Security
- Government & Port Contracts
- Event Security & Executive Protection
- Holiday & Vacation Overwatch
- Alarm Response & 24/7 Calls for Service
Credentials
Licensed. Bonded. Insured.
Licensed
Oregon Private Security Provider
Bonded
Fully bonded for your protection
Insured
Comprehensive liability coverage
DPSST Certified
Executive Manager License #075178
Est. 2015
Over a decade serving the Gorge
More Than a Security Firm
When you partner with Hood River Security, you aren't just hiring a security firm — you are choosing a dedicated team backed by over a decade of local experience, built on trust, and committed to keeping our community safe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Ready to Work With Us?
Tell us about your property and we'll build a customized security plan.