'Ready To Serve': 133 New California Highway Patrol Officers Graduate Academy

Dozens of new California Highway Patrol officers will soon hit the streets across the Golden State, after their graduation ceremony on Friday propelled them into field training programs across various California offices.

The California Highway Patrol graduated a total of 133 cadets at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento, where the new officers were sworn in and received their badges before heading to assignments across the state in the coming days.

Gov. Gavin Newsom recognized the graduates in a statement:

“We’re continuing to make our communities safer by investing in the next generation," he said. "These CHP graduates embody a deep commitment to service—stepping up to protect and support their communities, and reflecting the very best of California."

According to an announcement from the governor's office, the cadets completed training in more than 40 law enforcement topics at the academy. Those topics included traffic enforcement, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics and community policing. The office said the curriculum goes beyond standards set by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, known as POST.

CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee also addressed the class and the role the graduates are about to take on.

“Behind every badge lies a story of sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication. Today, we honor not only what these graduates have accomplished but also the responsibility they now bear as guardians of public safety across our state,” Duryee said. “As they join the ranks of the California Highway Patrol, they do so with a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and service – values that will guide them as they protect our roads, support our communities, and uphold the public’s trust.”

Following graduation, the officers will report to one of the CHP’s 102 area offices statewide, where they will begin field training alongside experienced officers, according to the announcement. The agency said future assignments may include investigations, air operations, canine units and commercial enforcement.

The state’s announcement also highlighted Officer Irene Ragland of Arbuckle as one member of the graduating class. Now a mom of two, Ragland enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after high school and served 11 years as an avionics electrician, including deployments to Afghanistan, Japan and Thailand. After leaving the military, she worked in the aviation industry for several years.

“Growing up in Northern California and serving 11 years in the Marine Corps, service has always been a part of who I am. A career with the CHP lets me give back to the community, be someone my kids can look up to, and go home each day knowing I made a meaningful difference,” said CHP Officer Ragland.

The CHP said it is continuing to recruit people interested in law enforcement careers and public service.