Sergeant Arnold Hardy

Careers to Watch

Officer Arnold Hardy

by Sergeant Angela Ditzenberger

You could say Arnold Hardy was destined to be a California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer. His father, Eugene Hardy was a CHP officer for 20 years, and since his earliest memories, Arnold wanted to be just like Dad. He remembers wearing his father's uniform shirt as a child, dreaming of the day he would earn his own. Through the years, there would be some diversions, but his heart would lead him back to the CHP.

Arnold spent most of his youth living in Sacramento, California where he graduated from El Camino High School. He attended the University of California, Davis where he played football and ran track, hoping to do both professionally. Injuries quickly diminished that dream. He graduated from U. C. Davis in 1994, with a degree in human development. That same year, he began testing with the CHP to fulfill his lifelong dream. He had no opposition from his family, to say the least. He remembers, "To say they were supportive would be an understatement. My parents and grandparents were so proud that I was continuing a family tradition."

In 1995, Arnold graduated from the CHP Academy and went to the Oakland Area office where he quickly learned to perform the basic duties of a patrol officer. His next assignment was in Sacramento as a Freeway Service Patrol coordinator.  Eighteen months later, a position at the Academy's Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (E.V.O.C.) caught his eye. He was urged by his friends and family to apply for the position. Arnold was apprehensive at first. He recalls, "I knew it would be very difficult and competitive to get that position. There are only a select few that are chosen to become a part of what's considered a great tradition of the Patrol. I did not want to fail."

Arnold did get the position, and in doing so, he became the first African-American officer to teach at the Academy's prestigious E.V.O.C. cadet training course. He said he especially enjoyed training cadets who came to the Academy with mediocre driving skills helping them become good defensive drivers by the time they graduated. Arnold is currently working as an officer in the Valley Division Commercial Unit.

Since Arnold is a single father of three children, he likes having a stable work schedule. His position allows him the flexibilty to spend more time with his children. He also enjoys golfing and snowboarding with friends. Of his career, Arnold says, "I feel fortunate to have this job and work at this high level of professional responsibility. As an experienced officer, now wearing my own CHP uniform shirt, I want to encourage young people to pursue a career with the CHP."