Bonnie’s First Day
August 6, 1979
Dear Journal,
I was nervous about today, because it was my first day at LA Central Division of the CHP.
I graduated from the CHP Academy on August 3. Several of my instructors and classmates told me that it was an honor being assigned to LA Central right out of the Academy. My roommate and best friend, Toni Sykes, wished me luck.
I arrived at Central not knowing what to expect. I was greeted by Sergeant Getraer. He was very friendly to me. He seems willing to listen to his officers.
There are several nice people at Central. Everybody went out of their way to make me feel welcome. Two men made a favorable impression with me.
Jon Baker and Frank Poncherello are two very friendly motorcycle officers. They have been partners for many years and are well known around the department. They sometimes act like a married couple. Jon and Ponch (as he prefers to be called) finish each other’s sentences, and back each other up. That is a great attribute to partners to have, because out on the field, it can get rough.
Barry Baricza seems soft spoken, but his height can be intimidating. The same could be said about Jeb Turner. They both work out of a cruiser, so I could learn something from each of them.
Artie Grossman is a very friendly man. He is dedicated to his job, but doesn’t let the job get to him. He also knows a lot of trivial things. If I ever want to find out anything, I’ll ask him.
I would trust my life with these men out on the field. I would also trust my life with Harlan Arliss. He’s the mechanic, and very good at what he does. I heard that he’s the best mechanic in the state.
Fortunately, it was a quiet day, but two calls stuck out.
I picked up a runaway from Kansas for hitch-hiking. I was brought up in a very supportive family, and the family will always be there for you, no matter what. I told the runaway that. It felt good to reunite a family.
One call that made me angry was a woman leaving her dog locked in the car. It was hot today and the dog was left in the car while she was having her hair done. Luckily someone flagged me down. When I rescued the dog, the woman that owned the car gave me the finger. When I told the guys about it, Ponch took me aside and said, "Bonnie, don’t take it personally." That is good advice.
I am going to enjoy working at Central for many years. Hopefully I will spend my law enforcement career at Central. It is a great place to work.
Well, I better wrap this up. Ponch is throwing a party to welcome me to Central. I hope I can find his apartment.
Ad finem.