Westminster Man Joins CHP Ranks After Graduating Academy

WESTMINSTER, CA — A Westminster resident has joined the ranks of the men and women keeping our freeways safe, after Rene Lopez Jr. completed his cadet training at the California Highway Patrol Academy.

Lopez was assigned to duty at the CHP's East Los Angeles Area office. Prior to training to be a CHP officer, Lopez graduated from Golden West College in Huntington Beach, where he studied business accounting.

Before attending the CHP Academy, he also worked as a belt tender for the United Parcel Service in Compton.

"Officer Lopez is following in the footsteps of his uncle, CHP Southern Division Assistant Chief J. Holguin," CHP Officer Mitch Smith told Patch.

As a part of his training, Lopez covered patrol operations, crash investigation, first aid and how to handle an arrest. Lopez also received training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management and more.

Congratulations and good luck, Officer Lopez!