Southern California

Retiring CHP Officer Recalls Her ‘Dash’ From Cadet to Assistant Chief

Retiring CHP Officer Recalls Her ‘Dash’ From Cadet to Assistant Chief
Helena Williams (4th from left) with the North Sacramento CHP Area Problem Oriented Policing Team. Courtesy of Helena Williams
Lynn Hackman
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In 1994, 23-year-old Helena Williams arrived at the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento determined to become one of a handful of female CHP cadets.

When the petite, 5-foot-tall, single mother of a spry 18-month-old boy joined the academy, she knew she couldn’t achieve her goals alone. Supportive of her ambition, her father and other family members took care of her son Billy so she could concentrate on the intense physical training and academic studies required to be a CHP cadet, and eventually officer.

Lynn Hackman
Lynn Hackman
Author
Lynn is a reporter for the Southern California edition of The Epoch Times, based in Orange County. She has enjoyed a 25-year career as a senior-level strategic public relations and contingency planning executive. An editor, blogger, and columnist, Lynn also has experience as a television and radio show producer and host. For six years, she was co-host of Sunday Brunch with Tom and Lynn on KOCI 101.5 FM. She is also active in the Newport Beach community, serving as chair emeritus of the Newport Beach City Arts Commission, among various positions with other local organizations.
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