State Parks’ newest class of Peace Officers at the graduation on Friday, April 28, 2023, in Paradise, California. Photo provided by California State Parks.On April 28, California State Parks graduated 30 cadets (29 rangers and one lifeguard) who will “Live the Parks Life” in the country’s largest state park system. This year’s class of 30 cadets was chosen from a field of more than 400 applicants.
Graduates of this class will be stationed throughout the state, including in the Sierra, Bay Area, Central Valley, San Diego, and Inland Empire districts.
After spending 32 weeks in the academy, the cadets received their badges and formally became State Park Peace Officers with their family, friends, and department staff serving as their audience both in person in Paradise, California and remotely.
As peace officers, they will serve, protect, and educate visitors to California’s 280 state parks, while protecting the state’s most significant natural and cultural resources.
“Integrity is the foundation of law enforcement… graduates have a commitment to public service, dedicating themselves to our natural and cultural resources and the communities that enjoy these lands and waters,” State Parks Director Armando Quintero said before the graduating class. “You must be willing to put yourself and your own safety at risk to protect the safety of others… I hope that your careers are rewarding, your lives are rich with community and love, stay safe and I look forward to seeing you in the parks.”
State Parks is currently accepting applications for the 2024 State Parks Peace Officers Cadet Academy exam. The deadline to apply is Saturday, June 10.
For more information on the academy and minimum requirements, including frequently asked questions and a general timeline of the recruitment cycle, visit www.livetheparkslife.com. and click on the “State Park Peace Officer Cadet Selection Process” link. Interested applicants can also email questions to [email protected].
