welcoming the CHP Merced Area Office’s first female commander, Captain Becky Hagen, ID 16393. Captain Hagen began her career with the California Highway Patrol in August 2000 but it was long before that when she was indoctrinated into the CHP way of life. Captain Hagen’s father, Johnny Hagen, was a CHP Officer and spent most of his career working in the Riverside office. Captain Hagen’s father transferred to the Merced Area Office in 1990, where he worked a short time before transferring to the Mariposa Area. Captain Hagen’s father would eventually retire in 1993.
Captain Hagen attended Mariposa County High School and was very active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America. After graduating high school, Captain Hagen attended Merced College and Ashford University, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Social and Criminal Justice. Captain Hagen received a scholarship from the Farm Bureau which paid for approximately 25% of her college education and that is why the agricultural industry holds a special place in her heart. While attending high school and college, Captain Hagen volunteered with the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue and attributes this as one of the biggest influences in seeking a career in law enforcement. Captain Hagen worked for Child Protective Services in Mariposa before entering the CHP Academy on August of 2000.
After graduating the CHP Academy, Captain Hagen was assigned to King City Area Office and worked there until March 2003. Captain Hagen also worked in the Mariposa and Oakhurst offices before taking the promotional exam. After making the promotional list, Captain Hagen was assigned to the Madera Area Office as an acting sergeant. Captain Hagen was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in September 2008 and assigned to headquarters in Sacramento. After completing a stint at headquarters, Captain Hagen transferred to the Merced Area Office in 2010. Captain Hagen says working as a sergeant in Merced was one of the most enjoyable times of her career.
In 2011, Captain Hagen was able to make her way back home and transferred to the Mariposa Area Office. Captain Hagen worked as a sergeant in the Mariposa Office until promoting to the rank of Lieutenant in September 2013. Captain Hagen was lucky enough to promote in place as the Commander of the Mariposa Office. Captain Hagen says it meant a lot for her to be the Commander of her home community, working with her friends in peer agencies, and in the office her father retired from. Captain Hagen remained at the Mariposa Office until promoting to the rank of Captain and receiving her assignment to the Merced Area Office in February 2018. The CHP Merced Area Office would like everyone to assist us in welcoming our first female Captain, Captain Becky Hagen!
Source: CHP- Merced
