Matthew Samuel Ward of Oakdale has successfully completed the cadet-training course at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy. Following a course of instruction that lasted more than six months, he is assigned to duty at the CHP’s East Los Angeles Area office.

Officer Ward graduated from Oakdale High School in Oakdale in 2014. Prior to attending the CHP Academy, he was employed as an order filler for Platt Electric Supply in Patterson.

Cadet training for Officer Ward started with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity, and included mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques. The course covered vehicle patrol, accident investigation, first aid, and capture-and-arrest of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Officer Ward also received training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and knowledge of various codes including the Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.