June 15, 2026

Seven California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers received the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor today during a ceremony at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. The officers earned the state’s highest honor for public service after demonstrating exceptional courage during critical incidents across California.

Established in 1959, the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor recognizes public servants who perform extraordinary acts of heroism in service to others. Since its inception, the award has honored more than 800 state employees, including over 300 members of the CHP.  

“These officers exemplify the very best of the California Highway Patrol. The actions recognized today reflect extraordinary courage and commitment to public safety,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “We are grateful for their service and proud to join Governor Newsom in honoring them for going above and beyond the call of duty.”

“Every day, CHP officers answer the call to serve, often under the most challenging and dangerous circumstances,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The seven officers recognized today went far beyond that call, placing others’ safety and well-being above their own. We are proud to honor their bravery and grateful for their dedication to the people of California.

American Association of State Troopers (AAST) Announces Winner of

13th Annual National "Best Looking Cruiser"

What a contest! Thank you to everyone who had fun supporting your state and its iconic cruiser. Congratulations to all of the agencies that participated and engaged with their supporters throughout the competition. As always, the Facebook banter was entertaining to follow and added to the excitement.

Well, it must be hunting season in Florida because they managed to shoot down the Blue Goose! Michigan held the lead for nearly the entire contest, but the powerhouse that is the Florida Highway Patrol's Communications Office pulled out all the stops during the final weekend of voting. From hanging chads and late-night ballot dumps (all in good fun, of course!) to the support of law enforcement partners, elected officials, and countless loyal supporters of the mighty black-and-tan, the Florida Highway Patrol charged to an incredible fourth consecutive championship.

Congratulations to the Florida Highway Patrol on capturing the crown once again! We also extend our sincere congratulations and appreciation to every agency that participated. Your enthusiasm, friendly competition, and positive engagement with the public are what make this contest such a tremendous success year after year.

Pictured below are the top 13 in order.

The Florida Highway Patrol will be presented with the "Best Looking Cruiser Award" and featured on the cover of the AAST’s “America's Best Looking Trooper Cruisers 2027 Wall Calendar."  The calendars will be available for pre-order shortly at www.statetroopers.org. We hope to have the calendars in hand by early October. Calendar sales will benefit the American Association of State Troopers Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to dependents of member troopers.

We would like to say a special thank you to our marquee sponsors:

FINAL LIST OF RESULTS

🚨 LAST WEEKEND TO VOTE! 🚨

This is your last weekend to cast your vote for America's Best Looking Cruiser!

Voting closes Monday, July 13, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon).

Once the winning state's Colonel has been notified, we will officially announce the winner to the public on our website at www.statetroopers.org.

The race is incredibly close, so every vote counts! Please continue sharing the link below with your friends, family, and supporters to help spread the word.

Vote now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026bestlookingcruiser

July 10, 2026

Baton Rouge –The Louisiana State Police announced the graduation of its 108th Cadet Class, consisting of 43 cadets who have completed their journey to becoming Louisiana State Troopers. The graduation ceremony was hosted by the Louisiana State Police Training Academy at First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge.

The cadets from across the state began their 23-week training at the Louisiana State Police Training Academy on January 4, 2026. During this period, they received comprehensive instruction in areas such as crash investigation, emergency vehicle operations, impaired driving detection, fair and impartial policing, legal updates, advanced firearms training, leadership skills, and a rigorous physical training regimen. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Troopers, these cadets earned their Louisiana State Police badge today.

With the training academy now complete, the new Troopers will be assigned across the state and will participate in a 16-week field training program under the guidance and supervision of experienced Field Training Officers.