California celebrates 339 new public safety officers in multi-agency graduation

(FOX40.COM) — California welcomed 339 graduates from Cal Fire, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the California Highway Patrol to the state’s already robust contingent of public safety officers.
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According to Newsom’s Administration, strengthening the dedicated groups who protect the safety of Californians, Gov. Gavin Newsom congratulated multiple graduates with the Cal Fire, the CDCR, and the CHP.

“Thank you for answering the call to serve our great state,” Newsom said. “As you go back to your communities, may you face any uncertainty with resolve, any challenges with integrity, and any hardships with determination.”

Newsom stated that these firefighters, correctional officers, and highway patrol officers have joined their colleagues in communities statewide to protect California.

Cal Fire celebrated 38 new Company Officers Academy graduates who will supervise and direct firefighters, Newsom stated. The Academy offers training in emergency and daily personnel management, physical conditioning, wildland and structural incident command, fire investigation, and the operation of fire vehicles, encompassing driving, pumping, and specialized wildland gear.

“Graduations are a time to come together with family, friends, and coworkers to celebrate the hard work our Company Officers have put in over the past six weeks. These women and men represent the next generation of leadership at CAL FIRE. I am very proud of their accomplishment and wish them the best as they return home to their new roles,” said CAL FIRE Chief/Director Joe Tyler.

Newsom stated that the cohort brings the total number of COA graduates in 2025 to 272.

After an extensive 13-week program at the Basic Corrective Officer Academy, 168 cadets graduated, Newsom stated. This embarks on their new careers as CDCR correctional officers.

“It takes a special kind of person to wear the badge, the sacrifices and dedication of our families cannot be overstated. Our future success is dependent upon your professionalism, respect, and commitment to excellence,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber.

In total, Newsom said that the CDCR will have 601 graduates, which also includes the current graduation class, which makes a significant step forward in CDCR’s ongoing efforts and focus when it comes to recruitment, hiring, promotion, and retention.

According to Newsom, the CHP welcomes 133 new officers who finished 26 weeks of extensive training at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. The officers can report to one of the CHP’s 102 area offices across California as they begin their law enforcement jobs.

“This graduation marks the beginning of a commitment to protecting and serving others. These officers have demonstrated their dedication to keeping California’s communities safe and upholding the CHP’s core values,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.