California State Parks graduated 30 cadets, including 29 rangers and one lifeguard, on Friday, April 28, who will "Live the Parks Life" in the country's largest state park system.

Since the Basic Visitor Services Training, or BVST, Academy began on Sept. 19, 2022, this class’ members has stayed committed to their responsibility as keepers of the state's most valuable natural and cultural resources as they advance to the next stage of their careers.

“Integrity is the foundation of law enforcement … graduates have a commitment to public service, dedicating themselves to our natural and cultural resources and the communities that enjoy these lands and waters,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero before the graduating class. “You must be willing to put yourself and your own safety at risk to protect the safety of others … I hope that your careers are rewarding, your lives are rich with community and love, stay safe and I look forward to seeing you in the parks.”

After spending 32 weeks in the academy, the cadets received their badges and formally became State Park Peace Officers with their family, friends, and department staff serving as their audience both in person in Paradise, California and remotely.

As peace officers, they will serve, protect, and educate visitors to California’s 280 state parks, while protecting the state’s most significant natural and cultural resources.

This year’s class of 30 cadets was chosen from a field of more than 400 applicants.

Graduates of this class will be stationed throughout the state, such as in the Northern Buttes Districts — which includes Lake County — along with the Sierra, Bay Area, Central Valley, San Diego, and Inland Empire districts.

Cadet training included lessons in strategic communication, physical arrests, investigations, search and rescue operations, defensive tactics, de-escalation, and firearms use.

Cadets also received training in visitor services, public education and interpretation, park resource protection and management, and first aid.

Students are mentally, morally, emotionally, and physically prepared to enter and successfully complete the Field Training Officer Program, which consists of 13 weeks of on-the-job training.

Want to 'Live the Parks Life'?

State Parks is currently accepting applications for the 2024 State Parks Peace Officers Cadet Academy exam. The deadline to apply is Saturday, June 10.

For more information on the academy and minimum requirements, including frequently asked questions and a general timeline of the recruitment cycle, please visit www.LiveTheParksLife.com and click on the “State Park Peace Officer Cadet Selection Process” link.

Interested applicants can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions.