From Annapolis to a Patrol Car
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From Annapolis to a Patrol Car Transitioning from military officer to CHP Officer |
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Tom Phelan, Charlton Adams and Vince Pagano work in different parts of California, but they have three important things in common. They are former military officers, attended and graduated together from the United States (U.S.) Naval Academy (class of 89), and they are currently officers in the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Tom Phelan was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps upon graduation. He chose to become a Combat Engineer Officer with emphasis in light construction, demolition, and minefields, assigned to various units in Okinawa, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea. Further training included the U.S. Army Airborne School and the U.S. Navy S.C.U.B.A. School. Phelan spent his last tour of duty at Lemoore Naval Air Station in California as the Deputy Security Officer for Operations. In the summer of 1994, Phelan resigned from the Marine Corps at the rank of Captain. He entered the CHP Academy almost immediately. Phelan graduated in January of 1995 as a California Highway Patrol Officer and was issued Badge #13775. Charlton Adams was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps upon graduation. After completing six months at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia and six months of recruiting duty in East Lansing, Michigan, he began flight school in Pensacola, Florida. Adams received his Aviator wings in October of 1992 and was assigned to fly the F/A - 18 Hornet. He was then transferred to Lemoore Naval Air Station in Lemoore, California. In February of 1995, he separated from the Marines. In April of 1995, Adams entered the six-month-long CHP Academy. He graduated as an officer in the California Highway Patrol and was issued Badge #14393. Vince Pagano was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy upon graduation. He reported to Pensacola, Florida for flight school and received his Aviator wings in November of 1990. Pagano's first assignment was to fly the SH-3H Sea King helicopter from the aircraft carrier USS RANGER. He participated in Operations Desert Shield / Restore Hope, and received a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V". Pagano's next two assignments included serving as aide to the Admiral at Naval Station San Diego (where he participated in Operation United Shield) and serving as Assistant Operations Officer at the North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego. Pagano separated from the Navy in June of 1998 and entered the CHP Academy in August of 1999. He graduated six months later, in January of 2000, as a California Highway Patrol Officer and was issued Badge #15934. Pagano had the additional distinction of serving as class president. While their job assignments differ in locale, their common bond of attending the Naval Academy helps them keep in touch. Adams and Phelan, who had both been CHP Officers for around five years, made a point of adjusting their schedules so they could travel to attend their shipmate Pagano's January 2000 graduation in Sacramento. When asked what attracted them to a career in law enforcement, and what they liked best about working for the CHP, their answers showed that the CHP offers something for everyone. Tom Phelan enjoyed his career with the Marine Corps, but was concerned with his future due to downsizing. As Phelan relates; "During the Spring of 1993, I met CHP Lieutenant Danny Gilmore. I was quite impressed with Lt. Gilmore - professional, physically fit, Marine Corps command presence. With the guidance and assistance of Lt. Gilmore, I researched the CHP. I compared salaries, benefits, and quality of life issues with the Marine Corps. As a result I resigned my commission." Phelan's top three things he likes best about the CHP include salaries and overtime compensation, medical/dental benefits, and stability. He says, "I like not having to move unless I want to." Charlton Adams spoke of the attraction of the team atmosphere reminiscent of the Marines. He was also impressed with CHP professionalism. He elaborated by saying, "The diverse backgrounds, ethnically, economically, and diverse previous employment, remind me of the people I worked with in the Marines. Despite all our differences, everyone is team-oriented." Adams also likes the fact that every day is different and the CHP offers financial security. Vince Pagano noted several friends had joined the CHP, and were pleased with their decision. He also went on a ride-along (spending a shift in a patrol car as an observer) to learn more about the job. Things he enjoys about his job with the Highway Patrol include "spending my days outside, helping someone everyday, and the friendship of the other officers in the area." The three's CHP experiences vary from road patrol, high speed and foot pursuits, arrests and the investigation of traffic accidents - mild to serious. While all three are currently "working the road," future opportunities include motorcycle, canine and equine officer, air operations (fixed wing and helicopter), and SWAT. When Phelan, Adams and Pagano were asked what they would say to a military officer who may or may not have thought about a career with the CHP, their responses were varied. Tom Phelan's answer gave tips on evaluating options to make the best decision for you: "Look at all law enforcement agencies that interest you. Compare salaries, compensation for overtime, medical/dental benefits, etc. Can you afford to live in their city, county, or state? Would your family be happy? Would you be happy with their job description? Compare what you have now with what you know you will get. Talk and ride with officers. And remember, you get a monthly bonus with the CHP for being a college graduate." Charlton Adams' answer focused more on specific benefits of the job. "If you are interested in an exciting job that allows you the opportunity to help others, check us out. Although the CHP can be very demanding, you will not encounter military hardships such as overseas deployment and family separation. Come on a few ride-alongs to help you get a better feel for the job. You will not be disappointed, and you may be opening the door to your future." Vince Pagano's answer was short and to the point: "Do it! You love going to work everyday." The California Highway Patrol has many things to offer former military officers - job variety, the chance to work in different locales, monthly bonus for a college degree, and scheduling flexibility for reserve officers. It is important to note that even though Adams and Phelan entered the CHP Academy shortly after separating from military service, they researched the CHP and started the applicant process nearly a year before. The CHP is the right fit for Officers Phelan, Adams and Pagano. Perhaps going from military officer to a patrol car will be the right fit for you. |
For additional information and applications, contact the CHP at: 1-888-4A CHP JOB (1-888-422-4756) TT/TDD EOE/ADA or by e-mail |
The three first met when they entered the Naval Academy Preparatory School in 1984 in Rhode Island. Adams and Pagano were recently graduated from high school, while Phelan had enlisted in the U.S. Navy a year earlier and had entered the Navy Nuclear Power Program. In July of 1985 they were sworn in as midshipmen and entered the U.S. Naval Academy. Four years later they graduated, and each took a different military path.