Why I Wear The Badge - Chapter 8: LA Motor Officer

Keeping our roads safe is the primary mission of the California Highway Patrol. South Los Angeles Motor Officer Melissa Handley has spent the last 24 years committed to doing just that. In this video, we take a closer look at the role of a motor officer and highlight her two and a half decades of service.

[MGCOHN]

18 years of being on that bike must make one hell of a skilled rider! Motor officers are on another level!

[scarecrow]

I was in a small diner today called Dagwood's Cafe eating lunch when three KCMO police officers walked in to eat. As they waited for a table they joked around with the cook and waitress. They were all laughing and having a good time. They ended up sitting at the table behind me. I could tell that they were well known to all the people there. I live on the other side of the city and only eat there once a month or so. After I finished my meal my younger brother and I got up to leave. As I was paying the check at the counter I told the waitress that I wanted to pay for their meals. She totaled it up, I paid the bill and she asked me if I wanted her to wait until after I left to tell them. I told her no that I wanted to thank them for what they do and tell them myself. As we shook each of their hands they looked grateful for the hand shake and the thank you. Then I told them their food was on me. They were shocked. You see, my older brother was a CHP back in the 70's and after his passing, I get the pleasure of doing this in his honor.

[sherrywyllie]

Dad joined 1965. I joined 1980. Loved the job and loved the people.

[geriw]

Hello from long beach, Thank you sooo very much for your service with CHP, you are a true American Hero to me

[hogwildbowhunter]

Thank you for your service, With a special debt of gratitude to the motor officers. We the public majority support you all, despite what Gavin signs into law. We appreciate the all who are the thin blue line!

[kathleenlubanski]

We've always known Melissa to be the BEST! Thank you for your wonderful Service and Inspiration!

[josepalomares]

Thank you for your service Melissa! 💙👮‍♀️

[FabulousMakeupByHope]

What a strong charismatic woman! I broke down when she started crying. ❤️

[michaelspong]

Absolutely wonderful job Motor Officer Handley. Without a doubt, the best job in the World. Nice to see you found a good fit on Motors. I loved riding as well and went thru Motor School at the Academy in '81. My favorite part of riding Motors was riding nice and tight tandem formation with another Motor...all about skill and concentration. About half way thru the video, it shows you putting your kickstand up...but somehow they got a reverse image and it shows the kickstand and shifter on the right side of your Motor...very strange looking as I have around 300, 000 miles on Harleys. Keep up the good job you're doing and have fun in spite of so much negativity toward LE today. Very proud of what you've accomplished knowing the washout rate at Motor School has always run around 50% and sometimes as high as 75%. You either learn to ride well or the Sgt leads you off the EVOC course to the shed to turn in your Motor.

[panosxam]

I love american police and espessialy the chp !!! God bless all the officers respect from greece !!!🇬🇷🇺🇸

[unixadm]

Great vid. Having almost joined the CHP in 2007, I am envious every time I see a CHP Officer. It's a damn tough job, but I respect each and every Officer doing it. I never considered any other agency in LE than the CHP. If you're going to do it, go for the best there is, right? I only have one regret in life and it was passing on that opportunity, but I'm thankful I got to test in West Sac and go on some great ride alongs. it was an absolute honor and one of the best experiences of my life. Be safe out there and thank you for your service.

[connielipp]

Excellent video...."Thank You All" for your service...you are soooo appreciated...love to you

[steponasp.]

Chp strikes again with an awesome vid. Nice work!

[kathleenlubanski]

Per Michael, Wow Melis! So proud of YOU for doing your best for all these years. You've always been number ONE with me!

[jusstmee]

My husband is a veteran CHP officer, 23 yrs on the job. Came from MI. He said it's all he ever wanted to do. His stories are so wonderful. Thank you, all law enforcement. Love you chippers!!!

[edbrown]

I completely support the CHP. Both my sister and brother in law are officers. I am grateful for the work you all do. Looking at the video background though I can’t but understand why so many people are leaving LA and California all together. It’s falling apart. I couldn’t stand LA anymore and finally took a leap and moved. If we didn’t love the ocean so much, we probably would have left the state as well. To the officers, thank you for making our highways safer. I know you can’t catch everyone and they seem to know it too. Be safe and know most of us are behind you even if the media says otherwise.

[davidw.]

Thank you for your service Melissa!! More appreciated than words can say. Glad to have officers like you on the road with us!

[kaubritoAraujo]

Wonderful video, thank you for your service M.Handley. My respect for those USA officers...

[jjett]

Thanks Melissa. Melissa is a great public safety officer and it shows in her professionalism and service. She also a great neighbor.

[josephandrew]

She is a wonderful person and I have never met Ride Safe Sistah.