11/3/2023

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) welcomed more than 100 of California’s newest members of law enforcement during a graduation ceremony at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento.  Today’s ceremony is the culmination of more than six months of rigorous training, hard work, and commitment.

“These cadets are California’s finest,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.  “They are truly the best among us — answering a call of duty to serve our communities with trust and care.  On behalf of all Californians, I am proud to welcome them to the California Highway Patrol.”  

The graduating class of 112 officers, including 11 women, report for duty on Nov. 13, 2023, to one of the CHP’s 103 Area offices throughout the state. 

“The newly sworn officers exhibited remarkable dedication and determination throughout their training.  They have proven themselves ready to take on the responsibilities and challenges of law enforcement, ensuring the safety and well-being of those who live and visit California,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “We are proud to welcome them as part of the CHP family.”

At the CHP Academy, cadet training starts with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity.  Cadets also receive instruction on mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques.  Training also includes vehicle patrol, crash investigation, first aid, and the apprehension of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Cadets also receive training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and knowledge of various codes, including the California Vehicle Code, Penal Code and Health and Safety Code.

A new class of more than 100 cadets will begin their 26-weeks of training at the CHP Academy that same day, bringing the total number of cadets in training to nearly 350.

Nov. 2, 2023

 A Philadelphia bridge has been rededicated to fallen State Trooper Joel Davis.

In front of Davis’ family, the sign reading “New York State Trooper Joel R. Davis Memorial Bridge” was unveiled on Thursday.

Trooper Davis was shot and killed while responding to a shooting in Theresa in 2017.

The bridge on U.S. Route 11 just went through a $4 million renovation.

Law Enforcement officials from the state, Jefferson County, the city of Watertown and village of Philadelphia, along with elected officials and Davis's family members, attended the ceremony to honor Davis.

“This is such a good dedication to my brother, especially this bridge here because we grew up here, right across the bridge. I rode this bridge every day to come to the school. So, therefore, it means a lot to us,” said Joshua Davis, Joel’s brother.

Colleagues of Davis and local and state representatives also spoke at the rededication.

To conclude the ceremony, Davis's family walked to the south end of the bridge, where the rushing water of the Indian River could be heard below, to watch as Department of Transportation workers unveiled a large, brown sign with the white lettering "New York State Trooper Joel R. Davis Memorial Bridge."

The Connecticut State Police Motor Unit has been around for 120 years.

A lot can happen over the span of 120 years, but in that time the unit has never had a female member until now.

Trooper First Class Jillian Leca is the first female trooper to join the State Police Motor Unit.

“I thought I knew how to ride, until I went through this course,” said Leca.

The training course teaches troopers and officers how to maneuver these bikes. It’s a demanding three-week course that took Leca three times to ace.

Leca said, “I was just going to keep trying until I got it.”

Last month, twelve riders passed the course. It was the biggest graduating class ever; eight were state troopers.

“It’s not just for roads. You can go on grass, trails, get there if you need to,” said Leca.

Most often seen at high profile events like funerals or VIP escorts, the motor unit gets a lot of attention.

Troopers use the bikes more for these type events rather than practical patrol.

Leca hopes the more people see her riding, the more women she’ll have at her side.

“I hope another female rider out there sees this and goes ‘hey I’ll give it a shot,’” said Leca. “Even going out and riding with my husband, the amount of female riders is definitely smaller but it’s definitely growing in the past few years I’ve seen more female riders.”

October 19, 2023