California
125 New California Highway Patrol Officers Sworn In, Including Officer Assigned to Barstow – Victor Valley News
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — In a significant milestone for law enforcement in California, 125 cadets graduated today from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy in West Sacramento, marking the largest graduating class since June 2022, when 128 officers were sworn in.
This ceremony highlights the successful completion of a 26-week, intensive training program that prepares the officers for their duties across the state.
The new officers will be assigned to various CHP offices throughout California, with one of the notable officers, Damian Alvarez of Desert Hot Springs, being assigned to the Barstow Area office.
According to CHP, Alvarez, who previously worked as a Lead Valet at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, is among the diverse group of graduates now beginning their law enforcement careers.
“Today, we celebrate the dedication and perseverance of our newly promoted officers,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee in a statement. “Their commitment to integrity, service, and the safety of our communities embodies the core values of the CHP. As these officers begin their new role, they will carry the trust of those they serve — and with that, the ability to make a lasting impact.”
Cadets, including Alvarez, underwent comprehensive training during their time at the CHP Academy. This training focused on critical areas such as traffic enforcement, collision investigation, defensive tactics, firearms proficiency, emergency vehicle operations, and community policing.
They also received instruction on legal responsibilities, communication skills, ethical conduct, and cultural diversity awareness to ensure they are prepared to serve all California communities effectively.
The graduation of 125 new officers is part of a broader recruitment and hiring effort by the CHP. According to the CHP, nearly 300 cadets remain in training, with an additional 160 cadets scheduled to start their training on April 7.
This ongoing recruitment campaign was launched in response to the state’s need to fill 1,000 officer positions by hiring qualified individuals, a goal that was surpassed in November 2024.
“The CHP is actively recruiting dedicated individuals to make a difference in communities throughout California. As a CHP officer, you can make a meaningful impact by enhancing road safety, enforcing traffic laws, and responding to emergencies,” said the CHP in a press release. “With comprehensive training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for career advancement, the CHP offers a rewarding and fulfilling career path for individuals committed to upholding the highest standards of service and professionalism.”
Alvarez and his fellow graduates are now ready to step into their new roles, joining the ranks of the CHP officers tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the state’s roads and communities.
The CHP’s mission is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security, and the new officers are poised to carry on this vital work.
To learn more about joining the CHP, please visit our website to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.
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