Auburn, Colfax residents sworn in as CHP officers

Of 133 cadets sworn in and pinned with a badge during the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy graduation in West Sacramento on April 10, two were residents of Auburn and Colfax. Christian Soriano of Auburn successfully completed cadet training at the CHP Academy. He is assigned to duty at the CHP's Auburn Area office. Officer Soriano graduated from Bear River High School in 2009 and later studied at Sierra College. Before attending the CHP Academy, he worked as an assistant store leader at Holiday Market. Growing up in a military family, he was inspired by watching others serve their country, which motivated him to pursue a career in law enforcement with the CHP. ArLen Jensen of Colfax completed cadet training at the CHP Academy. He is assigned to duty at the CHP's Oroville Area office. Officer Jensen graduated from Amador High School in 2019. Before attending the CHP Academy, he served seven years in the United States Army as an intelligence analyst, reaching the rank of corporal. He credits his wife and stepdaughter for being his motivation throughout the academy. For anyone interested in attending the CHP Academy, his words of encouragement are simple: "Don't quit. It will be hard, but worth it." At the CHP Academy, cadet training starts with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism, ethics and cultural diversity. Training also includes mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques. Cadet instruction covers patrol operations, crash investigation, first aid and the arrest of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The cadets also receive 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.