OROVILLE – On September 3, 2024, California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) and State Park Peace Officers Association of California (SPPOAC) representatives conducted a New Employee Orientation for 41 State Park peace officer ranger cadets at the academy at Butte College.

SPPOAC President and CSLEA Director Matt Yarbrough welcomed the cadets and explained the importance of having access to union benefits and the proven safety net CSLEA provides for its law enforcement members.  Through his work at the union, Yarbrough already knows that CSLEA is committed to protecting its members, but it wasn’t until he was in an officer involved shooting (OIS) performing his duties as a California State Park ranger that he experienced that protection and safety net firsthand as a union member.

“The professionalism and immediate response to my situation in the very stressful hours and days that followed were more than a comfort and support,” said Yarbrough. “It is imperative to have an attorney with you as soon as possible and to have a legal team to protect you and your career.  That’s what CSLEA union membership provides.”

CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark discussed other scenarios where SPPOAC and CSLEA could provide assistance including intervention during the academy and the principal points of contact from CSLEA Legal, Dave De La Riva in Southern California and himself in the North. 

CSLEA Membership Representative Marco Castro provided the cadets with packets of other important CSLEA member benefits and services including

• a $15,000 life insurance benefit,
• grievance and complaint representation,
• insurance plans at CSLEA group rates,
• membership to PORAC and access to its benefits and health plan,
• and access to scholarship opportunities.

Following the presentation, 38 cadets saw the value in union membership and the protection it provides.  CSLEA welcomes those 38 cadets to CSLEA and SPPOAC membership and wish all of the cadets well in the demanding weeks ahead at the academy.