In Their Own Words
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Military to CHP - their stories
"What could be better than working along the southern California coast? Currently, that's my assignment - working patrol as a bicycle and motorcycle officer in the Santa Barbara Area, a beautiful oceanfront community north of Los Angeles. I either ride a bicycle in the unincorporated portion of the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) or I'm patrolling the freeway on a motorcycle. After a four year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force, I joined the CHP. The CHP's Consolidated Testing Process allowed me to complete the first four steps of the testing process in one weekend. I lived in Connecticut at the time of testing, and the Consolidated Testing Process required fewer trips to California to complete the process. Now I have the freedom to make decisions for myself: where I live, what I eat, and which dentist I see. I also enjoy the great health care coverage and pension plan, and was able to purchase a home in beautiful Santa Barbara."
"My current assignment is to the CHP Academy as a Staff Officer. This assignment affords me the opportunity to advise and assist the cadets in the successful completion of the Academy training. I joined the CHP because I wanted to help people and have a job that was different every day. Working for the CHP has been fast-paced and exciting."
"My professional career has included a transition from the military to a nursing career, and then to the CHP. The CHP provides the latitude to be a CHP Officer and maintain my reserve status. The flexibility (hours, location, etc.), job opportunities, benefits, and esprit de corps in the CHP are great. There is a variety of training available and I continually learn new things. I work with people that I can entrust with my life. I love being a part of the CHP Family!"
"Currently, I am a motorcycle officer in South Sacramento. Previously I worked as a CHP Academy Physical Fitness Instructor. It's rewarding to know that I helped prepare the cadets for the road, and taught them how to stay physically fit throughout their career. Working for the CHP enables me to continue to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve where I am a Staff Sergeant attached to a Military Police Platoon. Since joining the CHP, I have worked as a motor officer and weapons instructor. Initially, I worked for two years in the East Los Angeles Area, then transferred to Porterville to be closer to relatives. The California Highway Patrol has a great reputation and receives a high level of respect from the public. I am proud to be a member of the Department."
"After spending 3 years flying the F-18 Hornet, I left the Marine Corps and joined the CHP. I did a lot of research into various law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, LAPD, etc. The professionalism of the CHP was impressive. I saw a great opportunity to grow as a person. Since joining the CHP in 1995, I have worked road patrol in Los Angeles and Fresno. I enjoyed a temporary assignment to the Auto Theft Unit while in Fresno. One of the things I enjoy most about the CHP is financial security; the CHP pays well!"
"Recognizing that the future of Officers in the military was uncertain, I researched the CHP comparing salaries, benefits, and quality of life issues with the Marine Corps. As a result, I resigned my commission and joined the CHP. I have had several friends from the Marines join the CHP as well. Since being assigned to the Fresno Area, I have been involved in several high speed pursuits, foot pursuits, arrests, and the investigation of serious traffic accidents. My experiences have qualified me to testify as an expert in court for determining drug influence, drug identification, and possession of drugs for sale. The learning continues to this day."
"Road patrol in Oakland has been busy and challenging since graduating from the Academy. A career in law enforcement had not been a consideration until my enlistment in the Army was almost up. I wanted another job immediately after leaving the military, and the CHP provided me with that opportunity. Since joining the CHP, I have had more time with my family, stability of assignment location, and have enjoyed the daily variety of activities on road patrol. With the CHP, there are no more long-term, short-notice deployments."
"My career with the CHP began with the six-month, live-in Academy training. My first assignment was to the Hayward Area office, located east of San Francisco. Now I work as a road officer in the Clear Lake office. I work closely with the community I serve, perform road patrol duties, and conduct unique investigations ranging from simple traffic collisions to felonious crimes. The CHP has many similarities to the military. The CHP is a way of life that was easy to adjust to after my time in the military. The biggest difference has been that the CHP provides more personal and job-related freedom. Every day as a CHP Officer, I find my work is challenging, yet very rewarding."
"Upon leaving the Army, I was faced with the choice of working for the FBI or CHP. I chose the CHP mainly because I could continue my military career with the reserves or national guard. Also, the CHP offers more than 140 work locations throughout the state. A variety of positions are available besides road patrol. These include commercial enforcement, auto theft, accident investigation, and numerous other specialized fields. I was originally interested in air operations and I am glad that opportunity is available. However, I have decided to work the "road" a few more years because of its challenges and rewarding nature."
"I am currently working at a commercial inspection facility after three years of working road patrol in the Los Angeles Area. One of the great things about working for the CHP is that, you can change assignments when you want and try something different. Unlike the military where you will have to change assignments every few years, in the CHP you can stay in an assignment for as long as you like or move on to something new. It's your choice. I would encourage all military personnel to strongly consider the California Highway Patrol as your next career choice. I'm starting my fifth year on the patrol and still love it!" 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  |
CHP Officer James Richards
CHP Officer Cheyenne Quesada
CHP Officer David Clays
CHP Officer Vince Pagano