Sandra Redding
Deputy Chief
California Highway Patrol

Sandra Redding was drawn into law enforcement because of her desire to work outdoors in a challenging profession. While going to college to fulfill her longtime dream of becoming a math teacher, Sandra realized teaching math was no longer a goal. She dropped out of school and went to work. With her interest of working outdoors, she applied with the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) in 1973. They were hiring "policewomen" for the first time. Unfortunately, Sandra did not have the support of her husband at that time, so she didn't continue to pursue a law enforcement career.

After her first marriage ended, Sandra started regretting her previous decision, and was still searching for a challenging outdoor job. She began a paramedic program, but quickly found that she didn't want to work for an ambulance company. In 1976, she started testing for CHP and SBPD. She joined the reserves for SBPD and was hired full-time. She was in training awaiting their academy when the background investigator from the CHP called. She went in for the final interview and was asked to report to the CHP Academy on Monday - this was Thursday afternoon! She turned in her resignation with SBPD and was en route to Sacramento. "I never looked back," Sandra said. She entered the Academy on September 29, 1977.

As an officer, Redding worked in Westminster, El Cajon, and San Diego Areas until promoting in January 1983. As a Sergeant, Sandra worked in Santa Fe Springs, Oceanside and San Diego Areas as a field sergeant, and Border Division as a staff services sergeant. In December 1987, Sandra promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to the Temecula and Banning Areas. In January 1996, Captain Redding was promoted and assigned to San Bernardino Area.

During her tenure as San Bernardino Area's Commander, she started two annual events for which she is proud - the "Annual Retirees Day" and the "Take Your Daughters to Work" day. She fondly recalls an event initiated by the office staff which honored her: Captain's Appreciation Day on August 26, 1998. The next year when August 26 rolled around again, she didn't remember that it was a special day until she noticed flowers and candy on her desk. "My staff never hesitated to let me know they appreciated me."

Sandra was next promoted to Assistant Chief and assigned to Personnel and Training Division. "There are a lot of exciting, dynamic programs in the Division. The assignment has worked out wonderfully and I'm having a great time." Her assignment includes oversight of the Academy, Recruitment Program, and Health and Safety Section operations.

One of the highlights of Sandra's career was attending the FBI Academy in 1990 (162nd session). Sandra has had the opportunity to have diverse assignments during her career including Recruiter, EEO investigator, Officer-involved shooting investigation team leader, and associate instructor at the Academy.

Sandra is married, has two stepdaughters and a 2-1/2 year-old grandson. She and her husband Jay's personal interests include raising and "showing" their Kerry Blue Terrier.

Sandra recently promoted to Deputy Chief of Personnel and Training Division, and would like to stay in Sacramento for awhile. "I have spent my entire career in southern California and I am enjoying the change - living and working in Sacramento."

Sandra sums up her philosophy of being successful with the CHP. "I have always worked hard, done my best throughout my career, and respected the people with whom I worked."