By Joanna Putman
Police1
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol welcomed 119 new officers during a graduation ceremony for the largest CHP Academy class in more than two years, according to a department news release.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his appreciation for the new officers.
“I am grateful to these officers for their service and commitment to protecting Californians,” he said. “As they begin their assignments across the state, they do so knowing they represent the best of California as public servants.”
The new officers completed a 26-week training program covering a range of topics, including leadership, ethics, patrol, crash investigation, first aid and traffic control, as well as mastering California’s vehicle, penal and health and safety codes, according to the release.
As part of CHP’s multiyear recruitment campaign that started in June 2022, more than 16,000 applications have been submitted in 2024, with the department on track to surpass last year’s total of 19,500. To meet the demand, the CHP has increased cadet classes, with six graduations scheduled per year, according to the release. The next class will graduate on November 15, 2024.
CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee highlighted the challenges and rewards of the profession.
“These individuals have chosen a path of public service and have undergone months of intense training to prepare,” Duryee said. “This career is one of the biggest challenges they will ever undertake, but it is by far the most rewarding. We are honored to welcome them into the CHP family.”