Celebrating the retirement of a CHP K-9 officer was among the notable incidents over the past couple of weeks for the California Highway Patrol. The #ICYMI is a regular feature, highlighting CHP events.

Well-Deserved Retirement

CHP K-9 Beny has proudly served California for nine years. Beny started in 2015 at the Golden Gate Division and eventually transferred to Central Division in 2018. During his career, Beny helped seize over $10,000,000 in currency from narcotics sales and prevented massive quantities of drugs from reaching the streets, including 42 pounds of heroin, 206 pounds of fentanyl, 233 pounds of cocaine, and 750 pounds of methamphetamine. Beny was adopted by his handler and plans to have some well-deserved relaxation in the home he knows.

Preventing A Freeway Takeover

On July 5, CHP Valley Division officers successfully prevented a freeway takeover in Sacramento County with the help of proactive intelligence and strategic deployment. At 10 p.m., about 100 vehicles attempted a freeway takeover on State Route 244 from Auburn Boulevard. CHP ground units and air support swiftly responded, and the sideshow participants immediately dispersed. CHP officers issued 23 citations and made one arrest.

Cadet Run

On July 10, Cadet Training Class I-24 took part in their final physical task before becoming CHP officers. Their five-mile ‘cadet run’ began at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento and concluded at the California Peace Officers Memorial near the California State Capitol. The cadets received encouragement from family and friends throughout the route.

New Officers

The CHP graduated 102 new officers who were sworn in during a ceremony at the CHP Academy on July 12. The ceremony marked the completion of 26 weeks of training and the beginning of a new career serving the people of California. Preceding the badge presentation, the Commissioners conducted a customary inspection of each cadet to ensure their readiness for their responsibilities as officers. A total of 409 officers have been sworn in this year, with two more cadet classes scheduled to complete the Academy before the end of 2024. For more information on how to become a CHP officer, visit CHPmadeformore.com.

Traffic Stop Arrests

Early on July 6, CHP officers in San Francisco conducted a traffic stop where upon contacting the occupants, they observed a loaded firearm in the driver’s possession. Upon further investigation, the officers located multiple loaded firearms. Both occupants were arrested and charged with various weapons and probation violations.