Four local men graduate from CHP Academy

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Pictured left to right, Ryan Erickson of Lakeport, Marc Peachey and Kiuya Brown of Kelseyville, and Ty Lewis of Clearlake graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy on Friday, October 31, 2008. Photo by Kevin Domby.




LAKE COUNTY – Four young Lake County men are starting out their new careers in the California Highway Patrol after graduating from the CHP Academy last week.


The CHP swore in new officers during graduation ceremonies at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento on Oct. 31.


Among the graduates were four Lake County residents, Ryan Erickson of Lakeport, Marc Peachey and Kiuya Brown of Kelseyville, and Ty Lewis of Clearlake.


This academy training class started on April 28 with 213 cadets, and culminated with the graduation of 145 officers following 27 weeks of intense training, according to Officer Adam Garcia of the CHP's Clear Lake area office.


The class, which is the largest since 2001, includes twin brothers who overcame extreme physical challenges due to their weight to achieve their longtime goal of earning a badge and a mother of three who, after breaking her leg twice during training, will be sworn in nearly two years and three attempts later.


Erickson will report to the Contra Costa Area Office, Peachey goes to the Redwood City Area Office, Kiuya Brown reports to the Hollister-Gilroy Area Office and Ty Lewis joins the Arrowhead Area Office, Garcia said.


When questioned about life at the academy, Garcia said the officers explained how challenging the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course was and how demanding the physical training was.


Garcia said the young men are excited about their new career with the CHP and serving the citizens of California. They were unsure if their new careers would lead them back to Lake County but they did not rule out the thought of eventually transferring to the Clear Lake Office.


The CHP has undertaken a major recruitment push due to a large number of retirements and additional positions that have been authorized by the legislature to meet the growing needs of California, said Garcia.


If anyone is interested in a career in law enforcement should go online to the CHP’s new Web site, www.chpcareers.com, or they may contact the Clear Lake Area office at 279-0103.


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