California State Parks Honors 36 New Peace Officers at Law Enforcement Academy Graduation Ceremony
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Newsroom@parks.ca.gov
California State Parks’ newest class of peace officers. Photo from California State Parks.
What you need to know: California welcomes 36 new rangers and lifeguards serving state parks spanning the state – protecting and informing more visitors ahead of the high travel season.
PARADISE — California State Parks celebrated the graduation of 36 cadets on Friday, April 10. These new State Park Peace Officers (rangers and lifeguards) are ready to “Live the Parks Life” in the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system.
“These 36 cadets have reached this milestone through discipline, resilience and a commitment to public service and public lands,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Their profession is not just a job — it is a calling. These new peace officers are California’s guardians of public safety and environmental and cultural heritage, balancing enforcement with education and service with excellence. I am proud to welcome them to State Parks.”
Since the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-certified academy began in September 2025, the cadets have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving as stewards of California’s most valuable natural and cultural resources. Their graduation marks the beginning of the next phase in their careers.
Over the course of the 32-week Basic Visitor Service Training (BVST) Academy, cadets completed rigorous instruction to prepare for their roles. Their journey exemplified this year’s class motto: “Standing tall, we answer the call,” reflecting their dedication to safeguarding the state’s diverse landscapes and waterways for current and future generations.
During the ceremony, graduates received their badges and were sworn in as State Park Peace Officers, joined by family, friends and department staff both in person and virtually.
As peace officers, these graduates will serve, protect and educate visitors across California’s 280 state parks while safeguarding some of the state’s most significant natural and cultural resources. This year’s class of 36 (28 rangers and eight lifeguards) was selected from a competitive pool of 1,539 applicants.
Graduates will be assigned to districts throughout the state, including the North Coast Redwoods, Central Valley, Santa Cruz, Orange Coast and Inland Empire.
The cadets’ training was extensive, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges ahead. Key areas of instruction included:
- Strategic communication and de-escalation techniques
- Physical arrests and defensive tactics
- Search and rescue operations
- Investigation techniques
- Visitor services, public education and interpretation
- Park resource protection and management
- Firearms training and first aid.
The program’s rigorous curriculum prepares the cadets for the next stage of their journey: a 13-week Field Training Officer Program, where they will gain hands-on, on-the-job training.
Want to “Live the Parks Life”?
For more information on the academy and minimum requirements, including frequently asked questions and a general timeline of the recruitment cycle, please visit LiveTheParksLlife.com and click on the “CA State Park Peace Officer Cadet Academy Exams (Ranger/Lifeguard)” link.
California State Parks celebrates 36 new peace officers at law enforcement academy graduation on April 10, 2026. Photos from California State Parks.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.