May 5, 2026

Governor Newsom honors fallen California Highway Patrol officers

What you need to know: The Governor attended the annual ceremony, honoring the 232 fallen CHP officers since the Department’s establishment in 1929.

WEST SACRAMENTOToday, Governor Gavin Newsom attended the California Highway Patrol Memorial Ceremony, paying tribute to the 232 uniformed members who have lost their lives in the line of duty since the Department’s inception in 1929. 

Governor Gavin Newsom in a dark navy suit and blue tie speaks at a wooden podium bearing the California Highway Patrol shield emblem. Behind him, rows of uniformed CHP officers in campaign hats stand in formation near a large

We’ve asked more of CHP than at any time in recent memory – more visibility, engagement, and responsibility in keeping Californians safe. And time and again, CHP officers have stepped up, not just meeting expectations, but exceeding them. The CHP doesn’t just enforce the law — it restores a sense of safety, order, and trust.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The memorial ceremony at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento included an honor guard procession, laying of the wreath, rifle salute, roll call of the fallen and knelling of the memorial bell. The Governor attended the Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony the day before. 

Two California Highway Patrol officers in dress uniforms with campaign hats stand at attention beside a lit memorial lantern mounted on a stone pedestal on a lawn, appearing to hold a ceremonial vigil. Rows of seated officers in matching green uniforms and wide-brimmed hats look on from folding chairs arranged in a semicircle behind a rope barrier. The ceremony takes place outdoors in front of a modern building with large glass windows.
A group of officials and CHP officers in uniform stand in a solemn line beside the

In memorial, Governor Newsom ordered flags to be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space.

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