5.11.10

Hello to One and All,

I am happy to report that week 18 finished on a positive note. Ryan did his best and passed both basic and felony stops...anything less than the best is a felony! It was rumored that those two scenarios are the hardest of them all...we will find out. They will eventually do both of those stops and a DUI stop in Spanish. I was surprised how much Spanish they teach these cadets, from here on out it seems that all scenarios will be tested in both languages. Ryan already passed part of his Spanish PMA as part of an early bird group. Yeah! It's good to be ahead.

Last Thursday was May the 6th which is the CHP Memorial day. It is a very important occasion in which they honor fallen Officers. The Governor and several state officials attend. The ceremony takes place outside at the fountain where all the names of the fallen Officers are engraved on brass plaques. (If you recall the cadets participate in a weekly ceremony at the fountain to honor fallen Officers). The most recent widow was present and was given a wreath to place on the fountain in honor of her husband. It was an unforgettable experience for the cadets.

There are few things in this world that Ryan will not enthusiastically volunteer for, today was one such day where our cadet did not want any part of what was being asked of him. If someone asks you if you want to take a 5 second ride - you say NO! Today was Taser day. The cadets learned all about the tasers and then lined up to get their dose of lightning. A word from our cadet shortly after..." I took the 5 second ride this morning...it was absolutely awful. I will never do it again".

Ryan said that while being tased all of your muscles are locked up and you can't move and your 2 spotters help you to ground. As soon as its over you are back to normal, except for some tired muscles. Most people screamed or at least whimpered in some way, but surprisingly no bodily fluids were expelled as we all thought. He was shocked or maybe I should say amazed that the few remaining women barely uttered a peep, except for one that expressed herself like a sailor. Aye, Aye Cadet! After that experience the cadets went to range and practiced what is called dry tasing on each other. Yes, he was tased again,but at a lesser voltage.

On a fun note, Ryan got his Campaign hat (Smokey the Bear hat) gifted to him this week...Thank You!! The hat is plain at this point without any details on it...it must be something that is earned in the next 7 weeks.

Next week is WEEK 20!!

Love,

Amy