Listen: Captain Anthony Coronado, the commander of the CHP Academy
As more than 80 cadets prepare to graduate this week from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy, they will first participate in a traditional pre-dawn run on January 22, 2020. The 5-mile run, from the CHP Academy to the California Peace Officers’ Memorial near the State Capitol, is a way for the cadets to recognize the ultimate sacrifice of law enforcement heroes. The monument at the Capitol honors more than 1,600 California men and women who have given their lives serving and protecting the public throughout the state. The visit to the monument also emphasizes to the soon-to-be officers the dangers of the career they are about to begin. The cadet run is a long-standing tradition that takes place two days before graduation. Family and friends of the cadets often stand along the route, waving flags and banners.