CHP - Truckee

After almost 22 years of dedicated service, Officer Chris Patton, ID 17907, is officially signing off from the California Highway Patrol.

After graduating from the CHP Academy in 2005, Chris began his career in Oakland before transferring to Truckee Area in 2007, where he would spend the next 18 years serving the Truckee community with pride, professionalism, and dedication.

Throughout his career, Chris served in numerous assignments, including Range Officer, VIN Officer, School Bus Officer, Court Officer, Evidence Officer, and Crash Investigation Review Officer. No matter the assignment, Chris approached it with a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a willingness to help wherever needed.

But to those fortunate enough to work beside him, Chris was much more than his assignments. He was a trusted partner, dependable teammate, and great friend. His sense of humor, positive attitude, and ability to bring laughter to even the toughest days made a lasting impact on everyone around him.

Chris, thank you for your friendship, dedication, and years of service to the people of California. We wish you and your family nothing but happiness, good health, and countless memories in this next chapter. Enjoy every minute of your well-earned retirement, you’ve earned it!

Truckee Area won’t be the same without you. Congratulations on an incredible career, Chris. You will be greatly missed!

Last Friday, CHP Truckee and the Placer County Sheriff's Office partnered with North Tahoe High School to present the Every 15 Minutes program.

This powerful event challenges students to think about the real-life consequences of impaired and distracted driving. Through a realistic crash scenario, students witnessed how one decision can impact not only those involved, but also their families, friends, and the entire community.

With graduations, summer break, and celebrations around the corner, we encourage everyone to make responsible choices, look out for one another, and never get behind the wheel impaired.

Thank you to the students who participated and made this program so impactful. We’d also like to thank North Tahoe Fire Protection District, Tahoe Forest Health System, Cal Nevada Towing Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), our grief counselors and support providers, local business sponsors, school staff, volunteers, and all personnel who helped make this program a success. Programs like this are only possible because of the incredible support of our community partners and funding provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A special thank you to our video crew, Dara Tolk-Bates and Segal, for helping capture and share the message behind this important program.

The decision takes seconds. The consequences can last a lifetime. Choose wisely.

After more than 27 years of dedicated service, Sergeant Bryan Yops, ID 15863, is officially signing off from the California Highway Patrol.

After graduating from the CHP Academy in 1999, Bryan built an incredible career serving in West Los Angeles, El Cajon, Marin, Hayward, and ultimately Truckee Area. From becoming a Motor Office, his true passion, to serving on bicycle patrol at the Golden Gate Bridge, Valley Division Air Operations as a hoist rescue technician, Governor’s Protective Detail, Special Response Team, and ultimately becoming the first Motor Sergeant in Truckee Area, Bryan’s impact on this department and community has been immeasurable.

But to us, Bryan has been more than a Sergeant, he has been a leader, mentor, partner, and friend. Behind every long shift, late night, storm, and sacrifice was a family standing beside him every step of the way. Bryan, thank you for your leadership, friendship, and decades of service to the people of California.

We wish you and your family nothing but happiness, peace, and unforgettable memories in this next chapter. Enjoy the well-earned retirement, you’ve earned every bit of it.

And while retirement may look a little different, just know… Truckee won’t be the same without you, especially on the Fourth of July and that little minibike. We’re going to miss you, Sarge!

99 in the rain…. Guess he’s got 99 problems… and plugging in his phone was one of them.

Excuse?
“I was plugging in my phone.”

Ah yes… because nothing says safety like 100 mph and a charging cable. Slow it down. The text can wait. The ticket won’t.

So far… just cloudy skies. No rain, no snow. Maybe a little something later tonight… Worst case scenario? Donner Summit enters the Empire era.

If conditions change tonight, don’t push it. Slow down, leave space, and come prepared. Out here on Donner Summit, the only Force that matters is traction.

May the 4th be with you.

We gotta put in the work to keep Truckee moving.

Earlier this evening got a little slick, one ended up on its side, but we got it cleared and traffic moving again. Rain and possibly snow on the way Monday.
Let’s not slide into the new week like this.

Slow it down, give space, and respect the conditions. Expect the possibility of chain control.