V 60 - Chp1010.com

V 60 || 2013
Serving not just california, but
the World
pg. 8
CHP PRIDE on the Job and Off pg.14
safety, service, and security pg. 16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
4
California Highway Patrol and Army National
Guard Training Benefits Officer and California
by David Reynolds, Senior Volunteer (V1303)
8
Serving Not Just California, but the World
Commissioner
Joseph A. Farrow
Deputy Commissioner
Ramona Prieto
Assistant Commissioner, Field
Warren Stanley
Assistant Commissioner, Staff
Jon Rodriguez
by David Reynolds, Senior Volunteer (V1303)
12 Hector Paredes is Eric’s Dad
by Greg Geetings, Senior Volunteer (V1301)
14 CHP PRIDE On the Job and Off
by Greg Geetings, Senior Volunteer (V1301)
Contributing Writers
Ruben Calderon
Greg Geeting
Sarah Jackson
David Reynolds
ARTICLES
7
1980 All Over Again
by Officer Sarah Jackson (18920)
11 John Keller: A Significant Lifetime
Contribution to Highway Safety
by Officer Ruben Calderon (15570)
ZENITH 12000
Capt. John Price
Lt. Mike Brown
Sgt. John Owen
Editor Thora A. Chaves
PEOPLE
16 Safety, Service, and Security
31 Photos From the Field
The Zenith 12000 is the
official publication for the
California Highway Patrol (CHP),
is the property of the CHP, and is
not intended for the general public.
Electronic Editions
are now available from
the Zenith staff.
Send an electronic mail (e-mail)
to [email protected]
Timely, free, and healthy
for the environment; a portable
document file of the magazine
will be sent to you
via your e-mail.
California Highway Patrol
Office of Community Outreach
and Media Relations
(916) 843-3310
www.chp.ca.gov
[email protected]
ON THE COVER: Officer Lucas Chellew (19402) working the Mulholland Highway.
Photo by Victory Jon Photography. www.highwayphotos.net
CHP Headquarters
P.O. Box 942898
Sacramento, CA 94298
H H H Commissioner’s Corner
H
Providing the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of
H
California is the primary mission of the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Our employees perform these responsibilities each day through their many
and varied tasks, most of which are clearly seen by the motoring public.
Actions such as our safety education programs, removing alcohol and drug
impaired drivers from the highway, clearing roadways, providing assistance
to motorists, combating vehicle theft, and operating checkpoints, are just a
few examples.
However, not widely seen or known are the selfless efforts of our employees
when serving their country and their communities all while still working for
the highway patrol. Employees who are also soldiers for the Reserves have a
Joe Farrow, Commissioner
dual mission: helping the people of California and supporting our country
through the armed forces. Employees who are passionate about their communities and volunteer their
time outside of work make a real positive difference in their community.
In this issue, you will see CHP employees performing their duties, but you will also see and learn of some
of their other, unseen, good works, reservist and volunteers alike. The adage that actions speak louder
than words has validity. I believe you will experience the same pride in their commitment and dedication
to helping the people of California and country as I do. By their good deeds, you will get to know these
fine members of the CHP.
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C A L I F O R N I A
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CHP and Army
National Guard Training
Benefits Officer and California
Lessons learned on the roads in California and battlefields
in Iraq are being applied by a decorated
California Highway Patrol officer.
by David Reynolds,
Senior Volunteer (V1303)
Officer Christian Carpenter
(17537), serves as the Stockton
Area weapons and training officer.
When duty calls he exchanges his
CHP uniform for that of a sergeant
first class with the California Army
National Guard. Carpenter belongs
to Charlie Company “Charlie
Rock,” 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry
Regiment.
His dress uniform includes two
medals: A Purple Heart, for being
wounded in the field of battle,
and the Combat Infantry Badge
for serving under fire. Topping
both is a Bronze Star, given for
meritorious service and valor. It
is the fourth highest individual
military decoration for valor.
In addition to his individual
honors, Carpenter’s regiment
earned the Valorous Unit Award
for its 2005 service in Baghdad.
The award is similar to the Silver
Star, which is given to individual
soldiers.
These honors are an outgrowth
of Carpenter’s military service,
which began in 1992 when he
enlisted in the Army at age 17.
“As a kid growing up I always
liked the Army,” he said. “I had a lot
of family members in the military
so by the time I was old enough, I
was more than ready to go.”
Carpenter was initially stationed
at Fort Benning, Georgia, for basic
and advanced individual training
and airborne school. After serving
a year in Korea, he went to North
Carolina for three years with the
82nd Airborne Division.
Reenlisting, he was then assigned
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C A L I F O R N I A
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to Fort Richardson, Alaska, as part
of the 6th Light Infantry Division.
Leaving the active military and
joining the California National
Guard in 2000, he began exploring
law enforcement employment
options. While under consideration
for a position with Lawrence
Livermore Laboratory’s Special
Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
Team, Carpenter was told he had
earned a date at the Academy.
“I had a guard deployment that
delayed my joining the CHP but
they took me right back when it
ended,” he said.
Carpenter officially joined the
CHP as an active officer in 2003,
serving his probationary year in
Castro Valley before being deployed
to Iraq for 18 months. He then
went to Tracy until leaving for
Afghanistan in 2008, returning
to Tracy, he was transferred
to Stockton in 2010. In 2011,
Carpenter became the weapons
officer in Stockton, adding training
officer to his duties in April.
said. Carpenter began training his
soldiers so they behaved more like
cops than infantrymen.
Given that Baghdad is a city of
5 million people, and many residents
are just going about their normal
daily affairs, Carpenter taught his
soldiers how to behave more like
CHP officers. One example is how
he learned to deal with non english
speakers at the Academy. Carpenter
taught his soldiers basic law
enforcement commands in Arabic,
such as how to say “hands up.”
“This prevented my team from
having to shoot someone who
didn’t understand a command,”
he explained. Feeling more like a
cop than a soldier, Carpenter said
he had several instances where
his CHP training allowed him to
handle police activities, such as
dealing with prowlers. “There’s no
question my CHP training helped
me do a better job of dealing with
the Iraqis,” he added.
Carpenter is taking lessons
he learned in the military and
applying them in his CHP duties.
Being in the military means being
subjected to some of the worst
conditions in the world, he said.
It also means learning how to
adapt when situations change,
sometimes rapidly. Survival skills
and experiences, for example,
translate well from the military
to law enforcement. “You have to
have the will to survive,” he said.
“It doesn’t mean that if you’re shot,
you just give up. I was able to gain
composure of myself and get my
rifle back up only a few seconds
after being shot.”
Carpenter considers himself an
average officer and a normal guy.
In terms of surviving being shot, he
tells other officers, “I can do it, any
Carpenter taught his soldiers
how to behave more like the CHP
Stockton is home for Carpenter.
He grew up in and around the area,
he is married and a father of four
young children.
Splitting much of his life
between law enforcement and
the military means Carpenter
shares his experiences from
both occupations. Lessons he
has learned in the battlefield are
shared with fellow CHP officers
while tactics and techniques from
law enforcement are invaluable in
urban military settings.
“When we were getting ready
for Iraq, even though I was in an
infantry unit, we were expected to
perform more of a policing action
than a high-intensity one,” he
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Karadha District, Baghdad, SSG Christian Carpenter giving instructions to his Alpha team
leader, Sgt. Pat Hildebrand, on the route of foot patrol for the next few hours.
5
of my peers can do it. They can know
that they may be hit but they are not
out of the fight.”
Carpenter gives back by sharing
his military experiences as a part of
the Military Deployment Program,
which is part of the Office of
Employee Safety and Assistance.
The Military Deployment Program
provides peer counseling for veterans who are now with CHP.
The program helps employees
deal with military issues such
reintegrating into the workforce after
a deployment.
For more information on the
Military Deployment Program,
please contact the Office of
Employee Safety and Assistance at
(916) 843-3320. n
Carpenters Honor Earned
In June 2005, while serving in Iraq, Officer Christian Carpenter was wounded
in action, earning a Purple Heart. Carpenter’s wound came when he was part of
a quick reaction force. Carpenter’s group jumped into action when a sniper in
Baghdad, Iraq, shot a member of the company commander’s security detail.
The force deployed, creating a safe area where a helicopter could land and
evacuate the fallen soldier. Roads were closed and guarded, allowing the
helicopter to land and depart. After allowing traffic to resume Carpenter was
hit.
The bullet struck just above his carotid artery, went into his shoulder, and
out his back. “It doesn’t get much closer than that,” he said. “I was bleeding
out pretty good. The medic saw the whole wound open up when they started
pulling my body armor off.”
Carpenter, who was not put off by the wound, regained his composure quickly.
Immediate medical aid from a fellow soldier allowed him to be evacuated to a
base. While recovering, there he persuaded the doctor to let him stay in Iraq.
He returned to active duty exactly one month to the day after he was shot.
It did not take long for Carpenter to see action again. Ten days after getting back
in the saddle, his patrol was able to capture and disarm two insurgents armed
with rocket-propelled grenades.
The bullet struck just above his
carotid artery, went into his
shoulder, and out his back
On Aug. 29, 2005, nine weeks after being
wounded, his calm thinking earned him
another honor, a Bronze Star. Carpenter’s gun
truck was on patrol when it hit an improvised
explosive device (IED). The explosion
seriously wounded the driver, an interpreter
and severely injured the gunner. Carpenter
was the only person in the vehicle to escape
injury.
Carpenter said he was expecting his unit’s
quick reaction force to arrive on the scene
within five minutes because the explosion
took place one mile from the base. However,
it took 40 minutes before a different military
outfit arrived to evacuate the wounded.
Carpenter was eventually honored for his
actions that day with a Bronze Star, the
military’s fourth highest award for individual
valor.
“I was recognized for keeping everything
going when it wasn’t going,” he explained.
Southern Baghdad City, October 2005. SSG Carpenter looking through the scope
of his M-14 rifle to surveil Chicken Run road for insurgents trying to emplace any
IEDs. Corporal Ryan Stewart spots for him with a set of binoculars on the roof of an
abandoned house.
6
Carpenter’s military exploits also earned him
a civilian honor: Officer of the Year from the
Stockton Italian Athletic Club. n
C A L I F O R N I A
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be an individual who has made a significant
lifetime contribution to highway safety. n
1980 All Over Again
by Officer Sarah Jackson (18920)
“This is 1980 all over again.”
Captain Matt Olson (12036), sees
history beginning to repeat itself.
In 1980, Mothers Against Drunk
Driving (MADD) incorporated and
held their first press conference.
General public sentiment and
education surrounding ‘drunk’
driving was quite different than it is
today. With a presumptive level of
0.10% blood alcohol content at the
time, those arrested for DUI were
indeed, “drunk.”
Within three years of MADD’s
beginning, 129 new DUI laws were
passed nationwide. By 1992, MADD
realized a major victory in public
education and perception: Americans
cited drunk driving as the number
one problem on the nation’s roadways
in a Gallup survey. Today, the number
of lives lost to impaired drivers has
been cut in half, thanks to tougher
laws, steadfast enforcement, and
enormous public education efforts.
However; another dangerous
trend is building, and Olson believes
Santa Cruz County is a bell-weather
for the rest of the nation. Drugged
driving has accounted for more
than half of the Santa Cruz Area’s
annual fatalities for the last three
years, which makes sense when
one considers the local history
of marijuana and other drug
acceptance.
In 1992, long before Proposition
215, Santa Cruz passed Measure
K, which de-prioritized marijuana
related calls to the official last
priority. By 2005, the city of Santa
Cruz had established an official
city government office to assist
residents with obtaining marijuana.
The formal acceptance of habitual
marijuana use has naturally led to
a large population of young and
middle-aged habitual users. Drug
tourism has now put Santa Cruz on
the map as a desirable destination
for those wishing to consume illegal
substances.
Considering the consequences to
relaxed marijuana policies and laws
An officer looks over the scene from the multi-vehicle crash where Officer Anthony Pedeferri was struck and
injured by a drugged driver.
7
in Santa Cruz County, the trend
toward marijuana legalization does
not bode well for California roadway
safety as a whole.
Because of the prevalence of
drugged driving, Santa Cruz Area
has tripled the number of drug
recognition evaluator certified
officers since 2011. Detecting and
removing drugged drivers from the
roadway is not just a strategy in
keeping the public safe, it’s also a
matter of officer safety:
On Jan. 7, 1998, Officer Scott Greenly
(14325) was struck and killed while
on a traffic stop. The driver who
caused the collision was found to be
under the influence of a multitude of
substances, including marijuana.
On Dec. 19, 2007, Officer Tony
Pedeferri (14446) made an enforcement stop on Highway 101. The driver
of a pickup, under the influence of
marijuana, struck the stopped vehicle,
killing that driver and causing lifechanging injuries to Pedeferri. The
driver at fault was not ultimately
charged with DUI, but was convicted
of vehicular manslaughter with an
enhancement, and transportation of
marijuana for sale.
On June 27, 2010, Officer Justin
McGrory (18606) was conducting
a traffic stop when another driver,
under the influence of marijuana,
struck and killed McGrory. The
jury in this case did not reach a
decision as to the impairing effects of
marijuana.
The memory of these sacrifices
helps us keep drugged driving in the
forefront of our minds during traffic
stops and collision investigations.
Here is hoping 2013 can truly be
1980 all over again. n
C A L I F O R N I A
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Serving Not Just California, but
the World
by David Reynolds, Senior Volunteer (V1303)
California Highway Patrol Officer Dawn Price (12275) has
seen a lot of action during her military service, much of it
through the lens of a Nikon camera.
Price is an award winning combat photographer and Air
Force Reserve master sergeant. Originally enlisting in the
Marine Corps in 1980, Price said her uncle Bob Martus (6599),
who was also a CHP officer, continually suggested she join the
CHP. Price made the move into law enforcement after a CHP
officer, a former Marine captain, pulled her over.
“If the CHP was good enough for a Marine captain, it was
good enough for me,” she said. Price left the Marine Corps as
a gunnery sergeant in 1988 and entered the CHP Academy. For
the next 13 years, Price concentrated on her law enforcement
duties.
Fueled by an interest in photography since her earliest days;
Price decided to enlist in the Air Force Reserve as a combat
photographer in 2001. “It was automatic on my part,” Price
said of her decision to become a combat photographer. “I’m
going to get trained and paid to take pictures. And I get to
pursue something I’m passionate about and serve my country
at the same time.” There was no question she was hooked.
Price made three deployments during Operation Enduring
Freedom to Iraq, where she went on 96 missions. Haiti and
Africa are also among her overseas postings. On each mission
she was armed with an M-16 carbine, M-9 pistol, body armor,
and a pair of Nikon digital still cameras.
“I’m one of the lucky ones, because not everyone returned
from these missions,” she said, adding, “You never leave
anyone behind, of course.”
Clockwise: Lt. John Maurus, Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Mobile Unit 11 team leader, thanks Zeus, a military explosive
detector working dog.
A gunner aboard a CH-53 Super Stallion with Marine Heavy
Helicopter Squadron 464 watches as another helicopter takes
off on the north coast of Djibouti.
Sgt. Krista Ihde talks to an Iraqi girl during a visit to the
provincial Iraqi police headquarters in Diwaniyah, Ihde is a
team leader with the 984th Military Police Company, Police
Transition Team.
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. B.J. Ponce places flowers on
the wreckage of two downed CH-53 helicopters on top of the
Gordoria Range plateau near the northern coast of Djibouti.
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C A L I F O R N I A
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Photos by CHP Officer and Air Force Master Sgt. Dawn M. Price
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Left: United States Air Force Master
Sergeant. Dawn Price has served as
an Air Force combat photographer
since 1988 and when not deployed, is
assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga
Area office. (Air Force courtesy photo)
“I’m putting down my military cameras,”
Price said “I’ve had the best life and the
best life experiences. I’m proud of my
service to my country and the state of
California.”
Taking photos was Price’s job, but her
most memorable experience was being
accepted as part of the brotherhood
of soldiers from around the world. “I
was lucky enough to work with many
professional men and women,” Price
said. She was also allowed to see a
newborn Iraqi child, a privilege denied
to her male counterparts due to cultural
barriers.
Price also said she strongly supports
other people having both military and
CHP careers. The military provides a
great foundation from which to build
a law enforcement career. “I wholeheartedly believe that if you are a
military-minded person, law enforcement
is the perfect transition, to civilian life,”
she said. “Law enforcement is a win-win
for both the Department and the person.”
Both careers are demanding and both
are complimentary as the skills learned
in law enforcement translate well to the
military and vice-versa. “The training
I’ve received is relied upon regardless of
what uniform I have on,” she said.
Those barriers were also broken
when she worked alongside Iraqi men
in areas where women weren’t normally
accepted in those roles, Price explained.
It was while stationed at Coalition
Camp Echo in Al Diwaniyah, southern
Iraq, in 2007 that Price earned a
Bronze Star. She also earned the Air
Force’s prestigious Darryl G. Winters
award in 2008. The award honors
combat photographer Airman First
Class Darryl G. Winters who was killed
on July 19, 1966, while on his 302nd
combat mission of the Vietnam War.
Recipients are recognized, “for sustained
superior performance while providing
communications and information
services and support to Air Force and
Department of Defense missions and
operations.”
While the CHP officer spent much
of her military service in the Middle
East, she also saw service in Haiti and
at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, Africa,
where she was part of the Combined
Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa
command.
Now that the end of her military
service is drawing near, Price said she
can look back fondly on her joint career.
Price said she’s been able to sustain
both careers largely due to the support
of her family and friends, including her
fellow CHP officers, without that support
system both careers couldn’t be done.”
For additional information on the CHP’s
commitment to the men and women of
the Reserves, see page 29. n
Assigned to the U.S. Army’s Fourth
Infantry Division and the Navy’s
Explosive Ordinance Device units, Price
participated in many hazardous activities.
The activities that Price photographed
included uncovering weapons and
explosive caches from insurgents
and disarming roadside bombs and
improvised explosive devices.
Price said that while taking photos
was her main responsibility, “even
combat photographers step into a
combat role if someone is down.”
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Army Specialist Eric Leon mans a M-240B machine gun as he provides security for
his fellow soldiers while they conduct a cordon and search operation with Iraqi army
soldiers in Diwaniyah, Iraq.
C A L I F O R N I A
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John C. Keller
A Significant Lifetime Contribution to Highway Safety
Keller believes his inspiration comes from
a combination of three components: his
father’s fostering of the safety theme when
he was young, ensuring a seat belt was
worn at all times while driving, or as a
passenger, in a vehicle. Second, Keller’s own
interest in the costs and benefits of traffic
safety; and third and most importantly,
his mother’s empathy for others and an
overall caring personality. These traits
have impacted and influenced Keller’s
persistence, hard work, and diligence to
achieve traffic safety.
by Officer Ruben Calderon (15570)
In April 2013, Senior Transportation Planner
John Keller (A4306) retired from his career
with the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
He began working for the state of California
and the Department after graduating from
Harvard University. For more than 37 years,
he has remained dedicated to the traffic safety
mission of the CHP, promoting through five
different classifications from a junior staff
analyst to his current classification of senior
transportation planner and supervisor. He
has admirably worked for six different CHP
commissioners, all of whom have relied on
Keller’s skill as a researcher, policy analyst and
writer, and traffic safety advocate to further
the Department’s position and standing in
this arena, nationally and worldwide.
Keller’s duties, prior to his retirement,
involved working as the Department’s
liaison to California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on issues involving
high-occupancy vehicle lanes and highoccupancy toll roadways, ensuring that
both the design and implementation of
these new facilities comply with the CHP’s
stringent dedication to officer safety and
the safety of those using these specialized
roadways.
In addition to being an integral part of
several major projects over his tenure with
the Department, Keller also worked with
the International Association of Chiefs
of Police (IACP) Law Enforcement Stops
and Safety Subcommittee, where he was
instrumental in developing and producing
a roll-call training video entitled, “Your Vest
Won’t Stop this Bullet.” This video focused
on the dangers to officers on traffic stops
from errant, speeding vehicles. Following
is a list of a few projects Keller has been
honored to be a part of:
• Orinda Community Radar Program:
Keller and his team conceptualized,
developed, and implemented the Orinda
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Community Radar Program in 1981, the
Department’s first deployment of radar for
speed enforcement.
• The 55 MPH Compliance Project: Keller
pioneered a program which used fixedwing aircraft to monitor speed compliance
for the National Maximum Speed Law.
• Corridor Safety Program (CSP):
Keller was involved in bringing the
CSP concept to California in 1990. He
researched Pennsylvania’s ground breaking
CSP, spread the word to the CHP, and
developed it into a remarkable traffic safety
program.
• Saving Lives - One Stop at a Time: In
2008, Keller was the Executive Producer
of the IACP Law Enforcement Stops and
Safety Subcommittee’s traffic safety video,
“Saving Lives - One Stop at a Time.”
Keller is proud of his involvement in
making the speed limits of California
more reasonable by working with the
Department and other agencies in gaining
not only California’s, but all other states’
ability to create their own speed limit laws.
Keller’s legacy will be that of safety, which
has been the theme and motivating force
behind his career.
Keller’s continuing challenge is roadside
officer safety. He feels strongly about this
hurdle as he has for his entire career. Keller
believes his success has come from his
ability to work for an organization where
the culture is broader than just teamwork
alone. The CHP has allowed “outside the
box” thinking, has been supportive, and the
overall direction of the Department is safety.
On Oct. 25, 2011, Keller received the “J.
Stannard Baker” Award for Highway Safety
from the IACP. According to the IACP, to
receive this award, an individual must first
be nominated by a law enforcement agency
or other traffic safety group or official; and
second, be a full-time paid law enforcement
officer of a state, county, metropolitan, or
municipal agency, or be an individual who
has made a significant lifetime contribution
to highway safety. n
At the annual IACP Conference in Chicago
NHTSA Administrator David Strickland hands
John Keller, and John’s wife, Cathy, the
J. Stannard Baker award.
C A L I F O R N I A
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Turning Tragedy into Triumph
by Greg Geetings, Senior Volunteer (V1301)
“What everybody remembers
was his smile,” says Lieutenant
Commander Hector Paredes
(10583), fondly remembering his
son Eric who passed away from a
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in
2009 at the age of 15. Eric Paredes
was an outstanding student-athlete
at San Diego’s Steele Canyon High
School. Known for his energy,
charm, and outgoing nature, Eric
had plans to follow in his father’s
footsteps as a law enforcement
officer.
Eric Paredes had no prior history
of a heart abnormality. Tragically,
though – when stopping by home
for lunch on a summer’s day –
Paredes found his son collapsed
on the kitchen floor. Despite CPR
and other emergency measures,
Eric could not be revived. “It’s
something you can’t describe, you
can’t define, and you would never
wish on anyone, not even your
worst enemy,” said Paredes. “It’s a
pain that never goes away.”
Surely, overwhelming grief could
be an understandable reason
for allowing the world to close
in, for allowing enthusiasm and
dedication to wane. However,
Paredes responded to his son’s
passing with incredible resolve to
12
prevent other children and parents
from suffering a similar fate. His
exceptional volunteer effort led
to the establishment of the Eric
Paredes Save a Life Foundation. The
Foundation promotes and performs
preventive cardiac screening of
children with electro and echo
cardiogram equipment, provides
education to parents about the
various conditions that can cause
SCA, and encourages schools to
become equipped with Automated
External Defibrillators (AEDs) for
use in emergency situations.
“I needed to keep busy after
Eric’s death,” commented Paredes.
“Establishing the Foundation – and,
in that way, helping to keep others
safe and healthy – turned out to
be an excellent fit with my CHP
skills and training, as well as with
the CHP’s mission. Much of
what I had done for the CHP
involved administration, public
speaking and presentation.
Fortunately putting those
attributes to work to create
and maintain the Foundation,
with the help of Eric’s mom
and others, has proven
successful.”
screenings at 13 schools in San
Diego County. More than 7,000
students have been screened, and
close to 170 students have been
identified with heart issues needing
treatment or monitoring. Most
importantly, nearly 70 of those
students have been found to be at
serious risk of SCA. The students’
parents often have several treatment
options to consider, including
lifestyle changes, medication, and
possible surgical intervention,
in a hope to avoid unspeakable
misfortune. These figures,
incidentally, parallel closely the
national statistics on SCA, which
claims some 400,000 Americans
each year, more than strokes, cancer,
and HIV/AIDS combined.
A long-term goal of the
Foundation is to collect sufficient
The Foundation has
now sponsored voluntary
C A L I F O R N I A
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Above: A teen’s heart is checked on the echocardiogram at
Point Loma High School.
Left: Teens fill out the screening paperwork at Temecula High School. Out of
the 417 teens who were screened that day, 12 students needed follow-up
visits and 7 were found to be at risk for SCA.
Page 12: Lieutenant Hector Paredes with his children Jessica and Eric.
data to demonstrate the costeffectiveness of including screenings
during annual wellness checkups.
“Avoiding personal calamity is
certainly a key reason for screening
every child,” concludes Paredes,
“but for each child who suffers
SCA, there is a considerable
cost for emergency services and
hospitalization. The truth is that
many children can be screened for
the cost of one being treated for
SCA and early detection saves lives.”
John Rogers, a cardiologist
at Scripps Clinic and the
Foundation’s medical director,
praises Paredes’ efforts. “Simply
stated, Hector Paredes is in
the ongoing process of turning
personal tragedy into a real
triumph in the field of public
health. His perseverance, passion,
and resolve are vital assets to the
organization.” n
2 13
0 1 3
•
V O L .
6 0
Save a Life
The Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation is a certified non-profit 501(c)(3)
organization. Contributions are tax deductible, and the purpose of all funding
received is to strictly facilitate the Foundation’s mission, goals, and vision.
One hundred percent of all monies received advance the Foundation’s
projects. No salaries of any amount are derived from the Foundation.
The Foundation’s mission is to prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) –
frequently resulting in death – in young people through awareness,
education, and action. The Foundation’s vision is to expose SCA as a
grave health risk affecting young people and to promote health screenings
involving electrocardiograms and echocardiograms before children can
participate in organized sports and activities.
The Foundation’s core beliefs are that:
• Parents, school officials, physicians, and elected officials should be
educated on the prevalence of SCA.
• Cardiac screening of children is an important tool to identify heart
anomalies that can often lead to SCA.
• Automated External Defibrillators
(or AEDs) need to become standard
medical equipment at all schools for
emergency treatment of SCA.
For more information, please visit the
Web site at epsavealife.org.
C A L I F O R N I A
H I G H W A Y
P A T R O13L
14
by Greg Geetings,
Senior Volunteer (V1301)
Isabella. The twins are doing well and
have started preschool this year.
Officer Cyndi Mitchell (16832),
lives CHP PRIDE both on the job
and off. When at work, Mitchell is the
Wellness Coordinator in the Office
of Employee Safety and Assistance.
Off the job, Mitchell is cofounder
and codirector (with her husband
Officer Dustin Mitchell, [16417]) of
the Alyboo & Izybee Foundation,
an organization dedicated to helping
parents cope with the birth of a
premature baby. The Mitchells were
inspired to create the non-profit in
October of 2009 after the premature
birth of twin daughters, Alyssa and
“We wanted to do something
to help families with babies in
the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
(NICU),” said Mitchell. A primary
service of the foundation is providing
a comfortable place for families to
stay while their baby is receiving care.
The foundation has a trailer located
in the parking lot of Sutter Memorial
Hospital in Sacramento, the use of
which is donated by Lt. Jim Libby
(12821), and the foundation owns
a Recreational Vehicle (RV) which
is usually located in the parking lot
of Sutter Roseville Medical Center.
C A L I F O R N I A
H I G H W A Y
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Families typically need lodging from
two to eight weeks. “There is rarely
any down time,” Mitchell added.
“The NICU at both facilities are very
busy, and just as I clean up from one
family’s stay, there’s another family
ready to move in.” The foundation
has hopes of adding an additional RV
to the fleet in 2013.
overwhelming,” Mitchell commented.
“Parents can feel quite ‘out of place’ in
the sterile hospital setting. Our goal is
to allow them some small respite from
the stress and worry, a place to relax
and feel – at least momentarily – ‘at
home,’ while still being close enough
to be involved in every aspect of the
baby’s care.”
The foundation offers a variety
of other services, including locating
housing near hospitals when
necessary, and providing care
packages filled with snacks and
gift vouchers. Upon request, the
foundation also offers assistance in
researching a child’s condition and
providing the information to the
parents. On unfortunate occasions
when the worst happens and a child
passes away, the foundation provides
the parents with memory boxes and
bereavement gowns.
The foundation is financed by
donations, fundraising events, and
the operation of a children’s thrift
boutique, Aly & Izy’s Closet, located
at 4800 Granite Drive, in Rocklin.
The store’s inventory includes new
and gently used children’s items
from birth through 12 years, as well
as maternity clothes and gift items.
Volunteers staff the store and make
baby items, including blankets and
hats. One hundred percent of the
boutique’s proceeds support the
foundation.
“A child in the NICU is
15
“People are often surprised to
learn that I’m a CHP officer,”
said Mitchell. “I tell them that the
foundation is a natural extension
of my work, where our objectives
include public safety and the
protection of those least able to
defend themselves. I am immensely
proud to be a member of the CHP,
and I am immensely appreciative of
the many ways in which my fellow
officers give back to the communities
in which they live.” n
Photos page 14: The RV for Preemies is
wrapped in bright colors, advertising
www.abibf.org, and the companies that
sponsor the RV.
Tiny caps are crocheted for the babies in the
NICU.
Mitchell works on blankets for the care
packages that are given to NICU families.
The Mitchell family, big sister Brittany Shine,
Dustin, Cyndi and the twins that are the
inspiration for Alyboo and Izybee Foundation,
Alyssa and Isabella, not in the picture is the
twins older brother Dakota Shine.
Below: Cyndi donating her time at Aly and
Izy’s closet.
C A L I F O R N I A
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Safety, Service, and Security
Safety,
Service, and Security
headquarters
Meet The Mobile Consolidated
Command Centers
After several years of planning, two new CHP Mobile
Consolidated Command Centers have arrived at Headquarters.
Each command vehicle is a centralized, highly visible, law
enforcement command vehicle that ensures on-scene
commanders have the
ability to coordinate
with other emergency
response agencies
by providing a selfcontained area to
conduct operations.
an operations area that provides eight work stations, a
conference room with two work stations and conference table
that seats 12 people. Each unit can operate at full capacity for
three to five days without refueling due to a generator that has
internal and external fuel tanks.
The acquisition of the two command units are part of
the CHP’s ongoing effort to improve our response to, and
management of, incidents or disasters. They were acquired
through a federal Homeland Security Grant. One command
unit is housed in northern California and the other in southern
California. The Mobile Consolidated Command Centers can be
easily transported to any location.
Each command unit
can also serve as a
backup Area office in
Photos by Joe McHugh (A8780)
the event a CHP facility
is out of service. In the past, fires, floods, earthquakes, and
environmental incidents have caused temporary closures of
offices.
Featuring the latest in communications technology, the
command vehicle provides a rolling dispatch center and
conference room that can respond to major incidents when
a crime scene unit or task force is required for an extended
period. The command vehicle can accommodate 22 personnel.
Also inside is a dispatch area that seats two dispatchers;
Prieto Honored
as a Trail Blazer
The Mobile Consolidated Command Center can accommodate 22 people
and operate for up to five days without refueling.
Retirees Day
Since 1990, this event has gained
In October 2012, the California Peace popularity among the retired CHP
Officers’ Association (CPOA) honored community. It allows retirees,
Deputy Commissioner Ramona Prieto current employees, and guests
the opportunity to come together
with the Trailblazer Award at the
seventh annual Women Leaders in
Law Enforcement Symposium. Prieto
was recognized as a woman who
demonstrated
outstanding
achievement within
her job tenure and
in her community.
and reacquaint themselves with
former coworkers and see the latest
Department innovations. This year
they watched the unveiling of a
newly renovated museum and the
Department movie, “A Legacy of
Saving Lives.”
With Commissioner
Joe Farrow (9486)
by her side, Deputy
Commissioner Ramona
Prieto (9009) accepts the And the ribbon is cut, Sgt. Linda Powell (15643) and
CPOA Trailblazer Award Commissioner Joe Farrow (9486) assist retirees’ with the
official opening to the new wing of the CHP museum.
in October 2012.
16
C A L I F O R N I A
Bonds with old acquaintances
were reestablished and
the development of new
friendships flourished.
Special thanks goes to the
Academy staff and all those
who planned and organized
the event on Sept. 21, 2012,
making it the best Retirees’
Day ever.
H I G H W A Y
P A T R O L
Helping Others and Building Character
A Gift of Equine Value
Cadets from CTC-II-2012 donated their time and hard work to the Sacramento
Children’s Home for a community project on Sept. 8, 2012. The project is
designed to reinforce the importance of contributing to the community in which
the cadets serve.
Cadets spend their Saturday performing landscaping and maintenance tasks for the
Sacramento Children’s Home.
Mona-Bella, Mona for short, a 10-yearold Belgian-Quarter horse cross, was
gifted by Rock-N-Horse Ranch of Grass
Valley to the CHP. The gift was made
official in November 2012.
Her previous owners knew that Mona
had the perfect disposition and size,
weighing in at 1,950 pounds, to be a
law enforcement mounted horse. Her
color, markings, build, and training
are excellent and exemplify the high
standards of the CHP equine unit. The
stables were happy to gain such a fine
horse and she is rumored to be the
most beautiful horse in the unit.
Cadets gather for a photo during a break in the work.
CHP Empower Youth Leadership
The Youth Traffic Safety Summit was a place for young
people from across the state of California to come
together and connect, create, and empower one another
to make their local communities safer. Youth leaders from
around the state and CHP joined together, in September
2012, for a summit to discuss the problem of distracted
driving and to motivate teens to spread the word and help
change opinions in their communities.
Officers Bryan Williams (19753), Rick Turner (18155), Mary Bailey (18105),
Ben Chaney (16624), Debbie Beander (A5146), and Brain Penning (14420)
gather at the CHP booth during the Youth Traffic Safety Summit.
17
C A L I F O R N I A
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Safety, Service, and Security
y Safety, Service, and Security
Safety, Service, and Security
Safety, Service, and Security
Safety,
Service, and Security
northern
division 101
Safety First
Northern Division hosted a Car Seat Check-Up Event at the Mt. Shasta Mall
in Redding on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, which was also the final day of the
Division’s New Car Seat Technician training course. More than 77 seat
installations were inspected, and 19 defective seats were replaced. Redding
Area Officer Kurt Heuer (12099) was the lead instructor, assisted by the Shasta
County Public Health Agency.
Northern Retirees
Congratulations Captains!
Capt. Harry Linschoten (10934) and
Capt. Paul Davis (11417) pause for a
photograph together as they are both
heading off to their retirement journeys
during the month of October 2012.
New Car Seat Technician Training course participants are shown with the pile of 19 defective car seats
replaced on Sept. 1, 2012.
Redding Area Teaches
About Stranger Danger
Cottonwood Hosts Trucker
Appreciation Day
Trucker Appreciation Day at
Cottonwood Commercial Vehicle
Enforcement Facility (CVEF) was
held on Sept. 25, 2012. A barbecue
was hosted by the Cottonwood CVEF
in conjunction with Department of
Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Caltrans.
During the event, information was
distributed about recruiting, the
proper installation of car seats, and
driver education programs.
Manzanita Elementary School in
Redding hosted a child safety –
Stranger Danger presentation for its
preschool students on Oct. 16, 2012.
Top: Lt. Scott Fredrick (15251) speaks to
preschoolers about “Stranger Danger.”
Left: Lt. Scott Fredrick (15251) and Officer Paul
Nelson (19520) with the preschool class.
Officer Paul L. Nelson (19520) mans the CHP
information booth.
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C A L I F O R N I A
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Safety, Service, and Security
y Safety, Service, and Security
Safety, Service, and Security
16th Annual Think Pink Day
Northern Division hosted a Think Pink fundraiser for breast cancer
research on Oct. 18, 2012. Think Pink is a community effort to promote
breast cancer awareness. The efforts culminate every year during
Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October with Think Pink Day. The
day was filled with activities to raise awareness of the importance
of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. Officer Stefanie
Barnwell (13377) coordinated the special event.
Top: Employees from the Northern Division office, as well as the surrounding Areas,
participate in the Think Pink event.
Top right: Officer Paul Nelson (19520), Sgt. Bill Boyes (15682), and Officer Chris Dugger
(17054) display their Think Pink spirit.
Right: Lt. Scott Fredrick (15251) is awarded a Think Pink raffle prize basket by
Officer Tara Schneider (17688).
Retirees Day Display
John Walsh Safety Day
Hours were spent creating a Northern
Division booth for the statewide CHP
Retiree’s Day at the Academy on
Sept. 21, 2012.
The Redding Area lent its support to
John Walsh Child Safety Day in
September 2012. The office held child
safety seat inspections and educated
the parents and the general public
regarding state traffic laws.
Retirees enjoy their day at the Academy.
19
Top: CHiPper, (Officer Paul Nelson (19520), greets
children at John Walsh Child Safety Day.
Left: Officer Kurt Heuer (12099) helps ensure a
child is properly secured in a booster seat.
C A L I F O R N I A
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Safety, Service, and
Safety,
Service, and S
northern
division 101
A Secret Santa No More
Like many Areas throughout California, the Williams Area spent weeks
gathering toys for their big CHiPs for Kids toy distribution day. A successful
day was enjoyed by all Area personnel that participated. The following day
can be relaxing, knowing that the effort was well received and children have
toys for Christmas. But, Public Information Officer John Waggoner (16541)
did not stop his giving efforts after the distribution day. Waggoner heard from
the Colusa Regional Medical Center about a young boy stuck in the hospital
for the holidays.
In an effort to go
above and beyond
in his community,
Waggoner and his
family selected
a pile of toys,
wrapped them and
delivered them right
to the little boy’s
bedside. This made
the boy’s stay in the
hospital just a little
easier to swallow.
It did not take A.J. long to unwrap his gifts and choose his favorite,
shown here with Officer John Waggoner.
Quincy Area Hosts Community Supper
On Dec. 26, 2012, the Quincy Area CHP, in conjunction with Evergreen
Market, hosted a community supper. Dinner consisted of ham, ravioli, potato
salad, rolls, and dessert. Due to the winter weather and snow, the crowd
was not as large as
expected, resulting in
an abundance of food.
Therefore, everyone
got to take additional
food home with them.
The Quincy Area and
Evergreen Market had
14 employees and family
members cook, set up,
serve, and clean.
Supper servers included; Lt. Bruce Carpenter (10683),
Officer Kassandra Tucker (14639), Sgt. Ed Giroux (9649).
20
C A L I F O R N I A
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division 201
Stockton Battles LAPD
On Oct. 6, 2012, Stockton Area Public Information Officer James Smith (18501)
stepped into the ring against Los Angeles Police Officer Aurelio Vasquez. The
fight was in front of more than 2000 family, friends, and fight fans. Although
Smith did not win the fight, the fight did receive Fight of the Night honors and
Fight of the Year. Smith was also selected in the elite group of fighters who
qualified as the most
fun fighters to watch.
As a result of this fight’s
popularity, Smith has
moved up in rank and
is now ranked fourth in
the state by the United
Combat Association.
Top: Officer James Smith, wearing black gloves, goes toe-to-toe
with LAPD Officer Aurelio Vaspuez.
10851 Award for Recovery
of Stolen Vehicles x10
In January 2013, Officer Russ
Somervill (17402) was honored for his
efforts in combating auto theft with
his 10th consecutive 10851 award. All
10 awards have been earned in Valley
Division. The award recognizes officers
who have been proactive in recovering
stolen vehicles and apprehending the
criminals involved. To qualify for the
award, an officer must meet one of
the following criteria: either make six
“rolling stolen” (suspect-occupied
stolen vehicles ) arrests, recover 12
vehicles (including 3 “rolling stolens”),
or help identify a theft ring and arrest
at least two suspects and recover at
least 10 vehicles.
Right: Smith accepts his award for Fight of the Night.
Walk Like MADD
Some of the CHP team are pictured here
including; Retired Capt. Dale Cannon (11879), his
wife Cari, Sgt. Kyle Plant (15467), Officers Cindy
Leal (14897), Bryan Konvalin (17272), Konvalin’s
girlfriend Kristen Waggoner, Sgt. Andy Hill
(12429), and his wife Lisa.
MADD’s seventh annual fundraiser
took place the first weekend
of October 2012 in downtown
Sacramento. This year, Woodland
Area joined forces with Valley
Division and raised money as the
“CHP team.” The walk raised more
than $70,000 and the CHP team
placed third in the law enforcement
category. All funds raised go
towards MADD’s local programs to
educate and raise awareness in the
community, and services to support
victims of impaired driving.
Officer Russ Somervill receives his tenth 10851
award from Assistant Chief Ken Hill (12713).
Safetyville USA
Family Safety Expo
Valley Division participated in the
Safetyville Family Safety Expo. The
expo was designed to
give families valuable
information focused
on health, safety, and
youth recreation
resources in the
Sacramento region.
Officer Jasper Begay (12315)
talked safety with many of
the 2,500 people who participated in the expo.
21
C A L I F O R N I A
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Safety, Service, and Security
y Safety, Service, and Security
Safety,
valley Service, and Security
Safety, Service, and Security
Safety,
valley Service, and Security S
division 201
Build-A-Bike
CHP Joins Forces with Stockton PD
For many people the first weekend in December is steeped
in traditions, decorating for the holidays, adding Christmas
lights to a house, or getting a tree. For the volunteers that help
out with the Valley Division CHiPs for Kids program, the first
Saturday in December 2012 meant one thing, bikes to build.
Hundreds of Huffy bikes are purchased every year with the
help of Construction
Cares for the Valley
Division CHiPs for
Kids toy distribution.
With, some assembly
required, stamped
on each box, a few
dozen volunteers
spent their morning
in a Rancho Cordova
A wide variety of friends came out to support
Valley Division including Kristen Waggoner
warehouse assisting
(friend of Officer Bryan Konvalin), Woodland
Santa, elf hats were
Area Officers Bryan Konvalin (17272), and Cindy
Leal (14897), and Stockton Area Sgt. Kyle Plant
optional.
(15467) on Dec. 1, 2012.
A Surprise Visit from Sweden
In 2012, Woodland CHP Area hosted a surprise visit for
Swedish National Police Inspector Per-Henrick Gothe. Gothe
joined the Swedish National Police at the age of 20 and has
been a Swedish Police officer for 39 years.
Gothe started his career in the traffic division riding a BMW
R60 motorcycle manufactured in 1974. His duties included
both traffic officer and dignitary escort. Gothe served on the
escort detail for First Lady
Nancy Reagan, President Bill
Clinton and Russian President
Yeltsin.
Gothe promoted to inspector
and continues to serve. He
plans to retire in 2018, at the
age of 65.
Gothe was treated to a ride
along in Woodland prior to
traveling to the Academy for
a tour and a trip around the
high speed track. Officer Brandon Pace (18125) provided the
tour to Gothe, his wife Monica, and childhood friend Clause
Johnson. Clause set up the surprise visit.
Officer Kerry Stockwell (14601)
showed Gothe some of the driving
capabilities of CHP officers and the
Charger.
22
Officer James Smith (18501), Sgt. Jo Pini (15994), Lt. Jill Dolce (15087)
and Capt. Rob Patrick (11715) meet with Stockton Police Chief Eric
Jones and his officers in November 2012.
The CHP has a solid reputation for providing the highest
level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of
California. At the request of city of Stockton officials,
Stockton Area CHP joined forces with the Stockton
Police Department for the purpose of suppressing major
crime in their city during a year when the homicide rate
reached a record high.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2012, Stockton Area CHP Officers
deployed to the city streets. Over the course of seven
weeks, the officers made their presence known in the
city by making over 175 arrests, seizing more than 25
firearms, locating 20 wanted parolees, and making 35
felony arrests for various narcotics related charges.
CHP officers assisted the Stockton Police Department
with numerous probation searches, several major crime
investigations, and collected gang intelligence.
In addition, officers conducted over 1500 traffic
enforcement stops in Stockton. Throughout the
seven week deployment, CHP Officers were routinely
contacted and complimented by residents for their
presence in the city, and were informed by several
suspects, the word was out regarding the “Highway
Patrol” being out on the streets. The efforts of the
Stockton Area office made a positive impact regarding
security to the residents of Stockton, as well as provide
overall crime suppression assistance to the Stockton
Police Department.
C A L I F O R N I A
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Safety, Service, and Security
Safety,
and Security
golden Service,
gate
division 301
Arpaia Graduates From SLI
Golden Gate Division’s own Sgt. Peter Arpaia
(15344) spent a good amount of his time in 2012
studying. The studying paid off in August when
he graduated from the Supervisory Leadership
Institute (SLI). The program is designed to
stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical
decision-making in California law enforcement
front-line supervisors. Designed and implemented
in 1988, SLI is an intense program based on
experiential learning techniques. Students are
challenged to learn new ways to resolve issues
through group and individual work.
Down on the Bridge
With its tremendous 746-foot tall
towers, sweeping main cables,
signature international orange color,
and art deco styling, it is a sensory
experience featuring color, light, and
sound. With more than 10 million
annual visitors, the landmark has
unfortunately become just as famous
for its staggering suicide attempts.
Over 1,500 people have jumped
from the bridge in its 75-year history,
making it one of the most popular
suicide destinations in the world. A
recent spike in attempts has only
192 hours later and Sgt. Peter Arpaia receives his diploma from the Supervisory
Leadership Institute.
made the number
more daunting.
Sergeant Kevin Briggs
(13119) has first hand
knowledge of people
attempting to commit
suicide by jumping
off the Golden Gate
Bridge. He, and the
other officers that
work the “bridge,”
have saved hundreds
from leaping over the The beginning of another day for Sgt. Kevin Briggs and his unit.
railing. Because suicide
Briggs said. “June can be rough too
attempts are rarely reported, Briggs
because younger people are at a
was shocked when
personal crossroads with high school
he started patrolling.
or college.”
“When I came on the
patrol, I had no idea
“What I’d like to get across now is
what transpired down
the amount of people I work with
on the bridge,” Briggs
and what they go through with these
said.
efforts,” Briggs said. “We really do
“The pressures of a
holiday season can
make December a
particularly trying
month, leading to lots
of calls to the bridge.”
Ever watchful, Sgt. Kevin Briggs on duty at the
Golden Gate Bridge.
23
try to help the people out there. Each
situation is independent of the other.
I just try to get to the heart of the
matter in each case, and my officers
to do the same.” Briggs added, “The
Golden Gate Bridge staff has been
vital to our success.”
C A L I F O R N I A
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Safety, Service, and Security
Safety, Service, and Security
The Museum Gold Heist
Photos: CHP, with the assistance of the Sacramento Police Department,
serve a search warrant and arrest three suspects believed responsible
for the September robbery. Some of the stolen gold and gems had been
recovered.
Photos by Joe McHugh (A8780)
On Sept. 28, 2012, two individuals entered the California
State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa. Armed
with pickaxes and threatening workers, they smashed
display cases and stole gold and gems valued at more
than $1 million. The theft was captured on surveillance
cameras in the museum.
The Investigation
Mariposa Area CHP worked with the Mariposa County
Sheriff’s Department, the Placer County Sheriff’s
Department and the Sacramento Police Department to
investigate the case. Detectives followed many leads and
used physical evidence to lead them to the three suspects.
The Capture
The surveillance footage, along with great cooperation
between agencies, led to the capture of four suspects. All
four suspects face multiple charges including; suspicion
of conspiracy to commit robbery, armed robbery, vehicle
theft, drug charges, and vandalism.
Madera Office Gets An Unexpected Visitor
A 56-year-old man lost control of his Chevy Tahoe and drove
it into the CHP building in Madera. The driver was affected by
a medical condition while driving which was a factor in the
crash.
The Tahoe smashed through concrete barriers, Plexiglas,
and a wall. It eventually came to rest against the wall that
separates the lobby from the interior office. Only one officer
was inside the front office at the time.
Rumor has it that this is not the first time someone has
crashed into that building. Officers say, about 10 years ago,
someone was parking their car and instead of hitting the
brake, they hit the gas and smashed right in to the building.
24
C A L I F O R N I A
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division 501
It’s All About Saving
Lives and Good Will
Officers Michael Fernandez (17730),
and Eric Lombard, (16283), went
above and beyond their job duties to
help rescue two dogs from the State
Route 60 freeway. In December, 2012,
two dogs escaped from a Baldwin
Park family’s car and were running
wild on the freeway. Fernandez and
Lombard had to stop traffic in order
to catch them. Fernandez even used
his lunch to lure one of the dogs who
kept running away from the officers.
The tactic worked, and the officers
were able to save both of the family’s
dogs. The dogs’ owners, the Kuruma
Family, were especially grateful for
the officers help.
Knowledge is power
Mustache is King
The Baldwin Park Area office
participated in a ‘Movember’ contest,
during November 2012. Movember
is responsible for the sprouting of
mustaches on thousands of men’s
faces, in the U.S. and around the
world. With their Mo’s, these men raise
vital awareness and funds for men’s
health issues, specifically prostate and
testicular cancer initiatives.
BEST MUSTACHE WINNER:
Officer Sammy Corder (18906)
Officer Michael Fernandez, Cami Kuruma, Paul Kuruma, Officer Eric Lombard, and the two dogs that
were saved, Bella and Kono.
Best, Second place: Officer Mike Boore (14444)
Celebrating Core Values in Education
On Sept. 20, 2012, the Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District held a special event
to promote, A Living Legacy of Core Values in Education. The two honored guests
for this event were,
Major General Patrick
Brady and Colonel
Bruce Crandall of
the United States
Army, who are
both recipients
of our nation’s
highest honor, The
Congressional Medal
of Honor.
Attending the event were Officers John Bebita (14902), Allen Begley (13644), Los Angeles County
Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Short, Officers Chris Borne (18058), Brian Orcutt (16659), Gil Hernandez (17768),
United States Army Colonel Bruce Crandall, Major General Patrick Brady, Capt. Steve Urrea (12025),
Officer Antonio Caballero (14339) and CHP Senior Volunteer Mickey Blanks (V2541).
25
WORST MUSTACHE WINNER:
Officer Brian Parks (16653)
Worst, 2nd place: Officer Rodrigo Jimenez (19045)
C A L I F O R N I A
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Safety, Service, and Security
y Safety, Service, and Security
Safety,
Service, and Security
southern
Safety, Service, and Security
Safety,
Service, and Security
southern
division 501
Freeway Dedicated in
Honor of Ortiz
And the Winner is...
On Sept. 19, 2012, Southern Division
public information officers attended
the Annual Traffic Reporters Luncheon
and Golden Pylon Awards, hosted
by METRO, one of the local transit
agencies. The luncheon celebrated
In 2012, a portion of Interstate 405
(I-405) in Culver City was dedicated
to honor Officer Philip Dennis Ortiz
(10428), two years after he died in the
line of duty.
This sign now resides on the I-405 Freeway in
Culver City, a freeway Ortiz patrolled for most of
his 28 year career.
West Los Angeles Area Capt. Matt Guthrie (12726)
and Lt. Jill Dolce (15087), prepare for the Ortiz
memorial day with a ‘Cat 10’ inspection of the
unit.
Safety and Recruitment
To Encourage and Inspire
On Nov. 15, 2012, the CHP announced
it would be accepting applications for
the first time in three years. That
The Adelante Mujer Latina Conference
is designed to inform, encourage
and inspire young girls. The girls are
asked to take school seriously, work
hard, make smart choices, think big,
plan and prepare for the future. They
are shown how to take advantage of
every opportunity so they may achieve
their career goals and have a positive
impact in their lives, their families, and
communities.
Over 2,000 girls attended the
Conference, representing 134 schools
throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, and
Riverside Counties.
Officer Mike Harris (18293) informs two event
attendees what they can expect through the CHP
application process.
same afternoon, members of the
Southern Division Public Information
and Recruitment Unit staffed a
recruitment and traffic safety booth at
Ski Dazzle, a snowboard and ski show
and expo, held at the Los Angeles
Convention Center.
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Officer Juan Galvan shares the spotlight with
Miss Traffic.
outstanding service by traffic
reporters for their promotion of safety
and ridesharing.
Golden Pylon Awards spotlight
true-grit traffic reporters whose
on-air traffic talk keeps rush-hour
commuters “in the know” about
alternatives to solo driving. Officer
Juan Galvan (18989), from the East
Los Angeles Area office, took home
the honor of a Golden Pylon. He has
served as an alternate up public
information officer assisting Southern
Division with traffic reports in both
English and Spanish. Galvan’s golden
voice was seen and heard on FOX
Channel 11, Univision Channel 34,
Telemundo Channel 52, and many
local radio stations.
Officers Charmaine Fajardo (16349), and Rebecca
Estrada (16368), at the Adelante Mujer Latina
Conference in Pasadena in 2012.
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Safety, Service, and Security
Safety,
border Service, and Security
division 601
Armed and Dangerous
Officer Mike Lassig (16212), from the Temecula Area office, is a
competitive bodybuilder, who has competed in more than two-dozen
amateur natural bodybuilding events over the years. Natural bodybuilding
events are for bodybuilders who do not use performance-enhancing drugs
such as anabolic steroids.
In September 2012, Lassig entered
his first professional competition. In
November, he placed fourth in his class
in the International Natural Bodybuilding
Association/Professional Natural
Bodybuilding Association Natural Olympia
in Reno, Nevada. He also was named INBA
Athlete of the Year.
Officer Nathan Baer (15743), said, “Lassig
upends the stereotype of the doughnuteating cop. He might know what a
doughnut looks like, he joked, but he
probably can’t remember what one tastes
like.”
“It’s a hobby of mine. It’s something I’ve
always loved to do,” Lassig said. “I’m the
oddball.”
Lassig had dropped out of competition for a while until 2012. He decided
to do one more event so his sons, then ages 4 and 6, could see their dad
on stage. He ended up doing four shows in 2012 and has plans for more
this year. “I got back the taste of competing,” he said.
Photos above: Officer Mike Lassig is armed and dangerous.
Top right: At the November competition, Lassig is awarded with fourth place in his class.
Right: When dressed in tan it is hard to tell Lassig is a professional body builder.
Temecula Area Office
Receives CLEC Award
Temecula CHP earned the California Law
Enforcement Challenge special award for
its superior efforts in promoting motorcycle
safety. Local efforts include enhanced
awareness, education, and enforcement
campaigns.
Commissioner Joe Farrow (9486) and CHP Border Division
Assistant Chief Esmeralda Falat (12533) presented the
award Nov. 6, 2012, to Temecula Area CHP Capt. Ernie
Sanchez (13424). In the background are the officers and
staff of the Temecula Area CHP office.
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Safety, Service, and Security
Safety,
CoastalService, and Security
division 701
All For A Good Cause
A Safe Kids Safety Check
Team Up For Bike Safety
September was childhood cancer
awareness month and the GilroyHollister Area office participated in
the 2012 event by joining the children
of St. Judes Hospital at the “Chili’s
Donate Profits to St. Judes Childrens
Hospital” event on Sept. 24, 2012. One
hundred percent of the profits from
this day were donated to St. Judes.
In 2012, Chili’s raised more than
$5,000,000 for St. Judes Hospital.
The Hollister-Gilroy Area office
partnered with the Gilroy Police
Department for a Bicycle Rodeo on
Oct. 27, 2012. The bicycle safety
rodeo featured bike and helmet
safety inspections, and a safety
lecture about the rules of the road.
This was followed by a ride on a
miniature course. The main focus of
the bike rodeo was to teach cycling
safety to young bike enthusiasts.
CHiPper (Officer Eric Zuniga, 19923) entertains
the customers at Chili’s with some smooth dance
steps.
On Oct. 18, 2012, the Hollister-Gilroy
Area office held a child safety seat
check-up in the Kohls department store
parking lot. The CHP partnered with the
Santa Clara-San Mateo County Safe
Kids Coalition for this event.
Officer Herb Kellogg (20062), School Pupil
Transportation Safety Coordinator Patrishia Tice
(A13563), Sal Vargas from Safe Kids Coalition,
Ben Arias the Safe Kids Coalition Coordinator and
Officer Erica Elias (15998) at the end of their day.
Officer Kevin Archer (18684), is pictured with
two participants who were fitted for new bicycle
helmets and went through the course.
Buellton Sergeant Calls It Quits
After a 30-year career, Sgt. Tom Mullen (10805) hung up his stripes in November 2012.
Mullen gained notoriety in 2012 as one of the first rescuers on scene to pull a mom and
her two young daughters to safety as their car dangled from a bridge on Highway 101.
The rescue, which received national and international attention, was aided by a group of
Navy Seabees who were stuck in southbound traffic near the accident. They were able to
use a huge forklift they were transporting to help prevent the vehicle from sliding off the
bridge.
Mullen, one of the first responders that day, recalled the moment the baby girl was taken out
of the wreckage. Initially, the infant was unresponsive and feared
dead, but then she extended her arms and legs and opened her Sgt. Tom Mullen helped save a mom and her two
eyes. Mullen said, “they were the most beautiful blue eyes I had daughters from this dramatic bridge crash.
ever seen.” He burst into applause at the “joyous moment,” one that will stay with him the rest of his
life, he said.
With his law enforcement days behind him, Mullen said he plans to spend a lot of time fishing in
his home state of Montana. He also said he may eventually go to work for a central coast winery
or become a docent for California State Parks.
Standing beside Assistant Chief Jeff Sgobba (11503), Sergeant Tom Mullen was honored by his peers at the Buellton Area
office on Nov. 28, 2012.
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division 801
In Support of the Reserves Quite A Trip
Inland Division Chief Michael
Champion (10460) signs a Employer
Support of the Guard and Reserve
(ESGR), “Statement of Support.” The
ESGR Statement of Support (SOS)
is a symbolic public and patriotic
gesture to reaffirm CHP’s continued
support of all employees serving in
the United States Armed Forces to
include the Guard and Reserve. The
SOS is a non-binding, non-legal
symbolic public document that states
an employer’s willingness to follow
the Uniform Services Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
law and support their employees
serving our Nation in the armed forces. Pictured from left to right; Tatyana Alvarez
Program Support Manager ESGR, Major Karen
Davis USAF and Officer Dawn Price (12275).
Front Chief Michael Champion.
A septic truck rolled off Highway 138 in the Cajon Pass Area and collided into
a Subway sandwich shop, spilling some of the truck’s load into the parking lot.
When officers arrived, they found the big rig, a septic tractor trailer, had rolled
from Highway 138, down the embankment and came to rest against the gas
station’s Subway sandwich shop.
The truck had been traveling east on Highway 138, when the brakes overheated
exiting the freeway, according to Officer Brad Newman (12988). The truck was
traveling too fast, was unable to make a right turn, and rolled over.
Highway Dedication
Ceremony for Coleman
Fallen Officer Thomas Coleman is honored with a moment of silence.
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In 2012, the San Bernardino Area held a Highway
Memorial Dedication Ceremony for fallen Officer
Thomas P. Coleman (17338) in 2012. Coleman gave
the ultimate sacrifice on June 11, 2010. The memorial
signs were placed along Interstate 10 where Coleman
patrolled. The ceremony was attended by over two
hundred family members, friends, and fellow officers.
The commander of the San Bernardino Area, Capt.
Glen E. Dominguez (12501), stated that these signs
will remind the millions of people that travel on that
roadway every year of the sacrifice that Coleman and
his family have made.
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Safety, Service, and Security
Safety, Service, and Security
Safety,
inland Service, and Security
Safety, Service, and Security
Safety,
Service, and Security
Senior Volunteers
around the state
Celebrate the Year of the Snake
SLO Seniors
On February 2, 2013, about 400 people came out to Vacaville to say farewell
to the Year of the Dragon and celebrate the Year of the Snake. The 4,000-yearold holiday is the most significant in Asia, combining Christmas, Thanksgiving
and New Year’s. The
celebration can last from
three to fifteen days.
People born in the Year of
the Snake are believed to
be wise, mysterious, and
materialistic.
San Luis Obispo senior volunteers,
prepare to help out officers. The
three men are part of the Senior
Volunteer Program assisting the
San Luis Obispo Area.
Senior Volunteer Greg Geetings
joined other volunteers from the
Vacaville Area by assisting with
the Chinese American Association
of Solano County’s 17th annual
Chinese New Year celebration.
A busy day begins for Senior Volunteers, from
left, Jim Anderson (V74506), Steve Singer
(V74507) and Bill Marshall (V74502).
Senior Volunteer is
Upping the Ante
Each year the CHP counts on
California residents to help make
Christmas special for underprivileged
children by donating unwrapped toys
to the CHiPs for Kids program. CHP
employees, explorers, and senior
volunteers all donate time and toys to
this worthy cause.
In 2011, Senior Volunteer Oscar
Chroust (V1501) donated hundreds of
happy meal toys,
toys that he had
been collecting for
over 10 years, to
the Valley Division
CHiPs for Kids
drive. Chroust’s
donation helped
make numerous
childrens’
stockings full on
Senior Volunteer Oscar Chroust stands behind
10 years worth of happy meal toys.
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CHP Programs Receive Funding from Association
For the second year in a row, the Rancho Santa Fe Association increased its
annual grant to the CHP for its Senior Volunteer and Explorer programs.
Originally set at $3,000 for the senior program and $1,000 for the explorers,
the board voted to give a total of $7,000 to the organizations. Since 1999, the
Association has provided annual funding to the CHP to assist in underwriting
the cost of maintaining the Senior Volunteer Patrol program in Rancho Santa Fe
and other areas.
Senior volunteers are used to provide additional personnel for traffic control
and general assistance at special events; periodically directing morning and
afternoon school traffic to enhance the safety of school children; providing
traffic counts; being a contact point for citizens for complaints and concerns;
abating abandoned vehicles; taking reports; and observing specific areas to
determine where regular CHP enforcement is needed.
After receiving a $7,000
grant for their programs at
the July 19, 2012 Rancho
Santa Fe Association
meeting, members of the
Senior Volunteers and
Explorers have a photo taken.
From left are Officer Luis
Ochoa (16997); Explorers
Laura Jimenez and Angel
Pineda, Senior Volunteers
John Green and Jim
McBride, and Captain Deb
Schroder (12838).
C A L I F O R N I A
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Photos
from the field
Capitol Rally Results in Arrests
Thousands swarmed the Capitol lawn waving signs
and chanting, “They say cut back, we say fight back.”
They were part of a boisterous day long protest over
state budget cuts to higher education that have led to
steep tuition increases throughout the system of public
universities.
Photos by Joe McHugh (A8780) and Thora Chaves (A14584)
Above: On thousands of demonstrators protested outside the
State Capitol in Sacramento.
Left: Hundreds of protesters swarmed the Capitol rotunda, waving signs
and chanting, “They say cut back, we say fight back.”
Below left and right: Nearly 70 protesters were arrested in the Capitol
rotunda, processed at the CHP Academy and then released in the
parking lot of IKEA in West Sacramento.
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CHP Provides Safety, Service, and Security
A Story Worth the Telling
Five year old crash victim, Edison Zuagg, was involved in a horrific traffic
collision when he was riding in the backseat of his father’s mini van.
Fortunately for Edison, his father had correctly strapped him into his car
seat and despite the wreck, Edison walked away with moderate injuries
and was able to return to school a week after the crash.
CHP Baldwin Park Officer, Kerri Rivas (18592), and CHiPper
Officer Rodrigo Jimenez, (19045) visited Edison’s kindergarten class,
and conducted a presentation on child car seat safety. Edison was
surprised to see the California Highway Patrol and CHiPper visit him
at school and he loved being the center of attention.
Photos and story submitted by Officer Kerri Rivas
Photography fits into an important realm
of commemoration as it makes tangible the
fleeting moments of our fast-moving day.
Zenith 12000 wants to publish
your photos from the field.
Send photos by electronic mail to [email protected].
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