Retiree’s Day at the CHP Academy

My mother and I were guests of the California Highway Patrol at their “Retiree’s Day”, held at the CHP Academy today.

the memorial fountain that bears the names of all fallen CHP officers

Of course, I couldn’t find my camera this morning, so I was stuck with moms.  Forgive the pictures!  Mom doesn’t like to take pictures, so I wasn’t able to get all the shots I wanted, having to stay close to her, but I was able to take some of the Memorial Ceremony. 

Since the Retiree’s Day in 2008, eight CHP officers have lost their lives in the line of duty.  This ceremony was for them.

The Honor Guard

 

 

 Academy Commander Newman, Commissioner Farrow, Former Commissioner Glen Craig and Former Commissioner Dwight "Spike" Helmick

Laying of the wreath

Current Cadets (in blue…there are so many of them!)

Commissioner Craig remembered me and my father, and my mother and I had a professional picture taken with him just because. Mr. Craig said that my dad taught HIM at the Academy, and that his nickname for dad was Pinky. Weird.

At the Academy, they have a plaque for all classes that graduated with the names of the newly sworn officers.  This is my dads from 1953.  It’s hard to see his name (damned camera), but it’s there…second name, first row.

They were showing old 16mm films in the gym. We were standing in line to eat at the cafeteria outside the gym door when I heard my dad’s voice!!  I ran into the room where they were showing the movie, grabbed the AV guy and said “that’s my dad!”  It was freaky and cool all at the same time.

They were showing a film I had completely forgotten - “Behind the Badge” – with my dad in it, of course. I’m sure the AV department hates me now…. It will need to be transferred to new media, but they say they will send it to me as well.  I’m sure they will be glad when I stop asking for movies!!

It was an honor and a privilege to represent my dad at the Academy.  It was even more of an honor to meet CHP officers that were from the graduating class of 1949. Those are some OLD cops!  One CHP officer who was called to Afghanistan, served and returned, was given a standing ovation by these grizzled old cops.

It was a memorable morning.

Tomorrow marks three years since I lost my dad.  Dad, I miss you, and I love you to pieces.