WEST SACRAMENTO – Three Imperial Valley residents have successfully completed cadet training at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy and have been assigned to duty at offices across Northern California.
The three graduates were among 133 cadets who completed more than 1,275 hours of training over six months at the CHP Academy, according to the CHP. The cadets were sworn in during a graduation ceremony in West Sacramento before being assigned to offices throughout the state.
Carlos Gil of Imperial is assigned to the CHP’s Clear Lake Area office. Gil graduated from Pioneer Valley High School in 2007 and later earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Phoenix. Prior to attending the academy, he worked as a roofing contractor for CG Roofing Inc. in El Centro. He said his desire to serve as a positive role model for his daughter motivated him throughout training and inspired him to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Cristal Castro of Imperial is assigned to the CHP’s Oakland Area office. Castro graduated from Southwest High School in 2022 and attended Imperial Valley College. She said her family, especially her younger sisters, motivated her during academy training. Inspired in part by the character Judy Hopps from the movie “Zootopia,” Castro said she hopes to serve as a real-life role model and show her sisters that anything is possible.
Angel Moraz Orozco of Brawley is assigned to the CHP’s Garberville Area office. Moraz Orozco graduated from Brawley Union High School in 2020 and earned an Associate of Science degree in administration of justice from Imperial Valley College. Before joining the CHP Academy, he worked as a team lead in the deli and bakery departments at Walmart. He credited his family and girlfriend for their support during training and encouraged future applicants to “take it day by day or even meal by meal, but don’t quit.”
According to the CHP, cadet training begins with a foundation in nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism, ethics and cultural diversity. Instruction also includes mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques. Cadets receive training in patrol operations, crash investigation, first aid and the arrest of suspected violators, including those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Additional training covers traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting motorists, issuing citations and emergency scene management, along with instruction in state laws including the Vehicle Code, Penal Code and Health and Safety Code.
“Behind every badge lies a story of sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “As they join the ranks of the California Highway Patrol, they do so with a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and service.”
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service and security.