OROVILLE -  On October 19, 2017, California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) and Resource Protection Peace Officer Association (RPPOA) representatives conducted a New Employee Orientation for 34 State Park peace officer ranger cadets at the academy at Butte College.

RPPOA President Matt Yarbrough welcomed the cadets and introduced them to CSLEA member benefits and services including a $15,000 life insurance benefit, immediate access to an attorney, a proven Legal Defense Fund, scholarships, and grievance and complaint representation.

CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark discussed why a member might need access the LDF and how accessible CSLEA attorneys are to members.

In addition to Yarbrough and Clark, CSLEA member services representatives George Pina and Marco Castro were present to answer questions.

CSLEA would like to welcome all 34 cadets to CSLEA and RPPOA membership and with them well in the demanding weeks ahead at the academy.

"I am encouraged to see cadets for State Parks at the academy as there is, what I believe to be, a huge shortage in the number of rangers protecting people and property within our State Parks system," said Yarbrough.  "With a delay in hiring new rangers and rangers retiring and leaving, we are down to what I believe is a critical shortage."