Assistant Commissioner Field
On August 12, 2024, Chief Rodney Ellison was appointed by California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Sean A. Duryee to serve as the Department’s Assistant Commissioner, Field, with executive level oversight of the Department’s eight Field Divisions, and the Protective Services Division. Assistant Commissioner Ellison is a 29-year veteran of the Department and has held various assignments within Field Division commands, and CHP Headquarters.
Assistant Commissioner Ellison graduated the CHP Academy in 1995 and was assigned to the West Los Angeles Area. Years later, he transferred to Valley Division’s Recruitment Unit, and was also selected to serve on the Governor’s Protection Detail. In 2001, Assistant Commissioner Ellison was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the Investigative Services Section within CHP Headquarters. He also served as part of Valley Division’s Investigative Services Unit where he was also a member of the Warrant Service and Special Response Teams. In 2010, Assistant Commissioner Ellison promoted to the rank of Lieutenant within the Office of Community Outreach and Recruitment. As a lieutenant, he was selected to serve at the CHP Academy, Valley Division Investigative Services Unit, and, eventually, at the CHP South Sacramento Area.
Upon his promotion to the rank of Captain, Assistant Commissioner Ellison was assigned to the newly created Professional Training Section, where he oversaw the creation and implementation of the Department’s Mental Illness Response Program. After the success of this program, Assistant Commissioner Ellison was selected to serve as the commander of the Yuba-Sutter Area. In 2018, Assistant Commissioner Ellison was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief and assigned to Central Division. He was later selected to serve as an Assistant Chief in Valley Division. In 2023, Assistant Commissioner Ellison was promoted to the rank of Chief and assumed command of Central Division.
While in Central Division, he worked closely with the High-Speed Rail Authority, attending quarterly meetings and visiting nearly every construction site within the Central Valley. He also implemented and oversaw the crime suppression efforts within Kern County and the City of Bakersfield. Later that year, Assistant Commissioner Ellison was appointed to the 911 Advisory Board by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Prior to joining the Department, Assistant Commissioner Ellison was part of the Washington Huskies National Championship football team in 1991. Assistant Commissioner Ellison has four children and four grandchildren who keep him grounded.