CHP

CHP Williams Area office on this day remembers Officer Charles T. Smith. On September 9, 1956, Officer Smith stopped a vehicle for speeding on U.S.Highway 99 near Orland. Something suspicious apparently alerted him, and he decided to investigate further, not aware that the vehicles two occupants were AWOL Marines who had stolen the vehicle and been on a crime spree. As Smith frisked one man, the other opened fire from behind, hitting Smith three times in the back. Although mortally wounded, the officer managed to struggle to his feet and kill both suspects. Ironically, Smith himself had been a Marine MP before he joined the Patrol four years earlier.

CHP Williams Area office on this day remembers Officer Edgar J. Combs. On September 8, 1930, Officer Combs was near the end of his shift patrolling at midnight along the Famosa Highway north of Bakersfield, when the front tire of his motorcycle blew out as he was crossing railroad tracks. The motorcycle turned over and the patrolman was hurled 70 feet and killed instantly.

Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period begins at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, September 4, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 7. Labor Day typically marks the end of the summer travel period, but 2020 has been anything but typical. Although many Californians may forego the long weekend road trip this year for a staycation, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will still implement its Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP). The CHP advises all drivers to take preca...utions that keep themselves safe behind the wheel and protect others such as buckling up, avoiding distractions, adhering to a safe and legal speed, and never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Last year during the Labor Day holiday weekend, 45 people were killed in crashes throughout California. Nearly three-quarters of all the vehicle occupants killed within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt. In addition, the CHP made more than 1,000 arrests for driving under the influence during the 78-hour enforcement effort in 2019. Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence is extremely dangerous, not only to the person driving but to everyone on the road with them, said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. If you travel this holiday weekend, make smart decisions and drive to arrive. To help keep California’s roadways safe and assist motorists this weekend, all available CHP officers will be on patrol for the MEP, which begins at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, September 4, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 7. This year, in addition to the MEP, the Office of Community Outreach and Media Relations produced a powerful public service announcement on the devastating impact driving under the influence had on a CHP officer and his family. You can watch the documentary called Falling here: www.chp.social Over the past few years, the CHP increased its training efforts to detect impaired drivers. All CHP officers and sergeants have received additional training in the detection of impaired drivers. California also has the highest number of personnel trained as Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) in the nation. For the Labor Day MEP, DREs will be on duty throughout the state. The CHP also reminds Californians to take safety precautions recommended by the California Department of Public Health to protect themselves, their families, and others from COVID-19 including physical distancing, wearing a face-covering if you go out in public, washing your hands for 20 seconds, and remaining at home if you become sick. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security. See more

Tomorrow the CHP Williams Area will be remembering Officer Kenyon Youngstrom. Officer Youngstrom was killed during an enforcement stop. On September 5, 2012, at approximately 6:05 PM. CHP Officer Kenyon Youngstrom, I.D. 18063, was pronounced deceased. ... Officer Youngstrom entered the CHP Academy in August 2005 and was assigned to the CHP’s Contra Costa Area upon graduation in February 2006. He transferred to the CHP’s Golden Gate Division headquarters in January 2009 and most recently transferred back to the Contra Costa Area office on Aug. 1, 2012. Officer Youngstrom served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1994 to 2000, attaining the rank of Specialist. Officer Youngstrom is the 223rd CHP officer to be killed in the line of duty since 1929.

CHP Williams Area office on this day remembers Officer Robert M. Blomo. On September 4, 1969, Officer Blomo was on patrol when his motorcycle struck a tractor-trailer that pulled out in front of him at an intersection. Blomo’s motorcycle was dragged 82 feet, slid into a curb and burst into flames, killing the patrol officer. Officer Blomo had been a member of the CHP for three years and was assigned to Baldwin Park since graduating from the Academy in 1966.

As a dedicated member of the law enforcement community, CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley has served the people of California for more than 37 years. His unwaver...ing commitment to public service and dedication to CHP employees caught the attention of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). Today, AAMVA recognized these efforts by honoring him with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Highway Safety Law Enforcement. Congratulations Commissioner Stanley! For more information on AAMVA visit https://www.aamva.org

Sometimes the hardest stories to tell are the most important ones. One fateful day changed a CHP officer’s personal and professional life in an unimaginable way. To watch the full video visit: www.chp.social

CHP Williams Area office on this day remembers Officer Hugh C. Cline. On August 26, 1934, Officer Cline was patrolling at night along the Roosevelt Highway just north of Santa Monica Boulevard when he collided with an automobile. Officer Cline was thrown from his motorcycle, sustained critical injuries and died the following day.

SAVE THE DATE! CHP Williams Area office 2020 California Highway Patrol Retirees' Luncheon-September 15, 2020.

CHP Williams Area office on this day remembers Officer William C. Isaacs. On August 25, 1966, Officer Isaacs was patrolling on his motorcycle and negotiating a turn when he was thrown from his motorcycle and sustained fatal injuries. The patrolman had served with the Patrol for eight years and was a police officer with the city of Rialto prior to joining the CHP.

CHP Williams Area office on this day remembers Officer Keith M. Giles. On August 25, 1974, Officer Giles was patrolling on the graveyard shift and stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation shortly after 2 a.m. Giles was standing on the left side of the stopped vehicle when a passing car drifted over the edge of the roadway and struck the patrol officer, killing him almost instantly. The errant driver apparently dozed off and may have been driving under the influence of alcohol. Officer Giles was a four-year member of the CHP.

CHP Williams Area office on this day remembers Officer Ivan Casselman. On August 24, 1935, Officer Casselman was killed when his patrol motorcycle crashed into the back of a truck near Davis in Yolo County. Witnesses said Casselman was thrown fifteen feet off the roadway after striking the rear of a truck he was attempting to pass. The patrolman died hours later from his injuries. Casselman was a seven-year member of the Yolo County Squad.

CHP Williams Area office on this day remembers Cadet Harold J. Hanson. On August 19, 1951, Cadet Hanson was negotiating a curve during a motorcycle training exercise when an oncoming motorist, driving close to the center divider, caused the cadet to veer away sharply and lose control. Hansons motorcycle skidded in loose gravel and the cadet was thrown to the ground. Hanson died almost instantly. Cadet Hanson, like all cadets in that era, was sworn in when he reported for training. After 1977 recruits were classified as state traffic officer cadets for training purposes and did not become sworn officers until Academy graduation.