From CSM to LHS to PSD to CHP

Lake Los Angeles – Pictured is Derek Tirado on the most memorable day of his graduation from the California Highway Patrol Academy in Sacramento, California. Derek graduated on December 26, 2022. Ten days later he was assigned to the Antelope Valley CHP station and on the job training and working.

Derek graduated from Challenger Middle School (CMS) in Lake Los Angeles. He recalled his teacher, Mrs. Briggs by saying, “I liked Mrs. Briggs’ teaching style. She gave me a positive learning experience.” His experiences at CMS prepared him for his next educational journey at Littlerock High School (LHS). From LHS he went to the Palmdale School District (PSD) as a school bus driver. At PSD he moved to being a School Bus Driver Instructor.

It was here where Derek realized he wanted to be in a job where he would always be helping other people. Derek was responsible for helping his fellow bus drivers to update their licenses and certificates required of school bus drivers in California. “This was my first experience with CHP, working with school bus drivers, testing with CHP, where a Class B license or higher is required with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). School bus drivers also require certification from the CHP and a valid medical certificate which must be current and on their person at all times driving a school bus.”

The CHP partners with the DMV and the California Department of Education (CDE) to assist with the testing school bus driver applicants and farm labor transportation drivers.

This is where Derek tapped into what would be his prospective career choice. “I realized how much I liked helping other people and that is what inspired me to join the CHP. I like driving and I like being on the road.”

The training period has started, Phase I with an experienced CHP Training Officer (TO) and then Phase II with another experienced CHP Training Officer. This follows 26 weeks of training in Sacramento at the California Highway Patrol Academy.

Being a long-term resident of the Antelope Valley, Derek has a leg up by knowing the geography of the area he will serve and the personality of the Antelope Valley. He is bi-lingual as well. His training curve will flatten by this knowledge, and he will be able to concentrate solely on his training. Training with a TO can last 3-4 months.

“I am looking forward to my CHP career. I thank my supporters in my family and my friends. I am the only male in the family besides my Dad, so I want to especially thank my wife and all the women in my life who support me.”

By Shirley Harriman