The Fictional CHP and the Real CHP Mark 75th on Patrol Force

click on above image to see the full-size article

LOS ANGELES (October 4, 2004) - It was "10-4" on 10/4 when Council Member Tom LaBonge, joined by several cast and crew members of the original "Highway Patrol" television series, Erik Estrada, star of "CHiPs," Johnny Grant and the new California Highway Patrol Commissioner Mike Brown commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the CHP at a special parade and ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard.

The event began at the Los Angeles Fire Museum with a parade of classic CHP cars including a '55 Buick, 59 'Harley and a '63 Dodge, and ended at the star of Broderick Crawford, lead of the original television series that ran from 1955-59 with a ceremony emceed by Hollywood Honorary Mayor Johnny Grant who remarked "This ceremony celebrates both the real and fictional CHP-both of which reflect the outstanding virtues of the officers who patrol California's vast network of roadways." Other remarks were made by Commissioner Brown, Kelly Crawford, son of Broderick, Erik Estrada, Council Members LaBonge, and Garcetti, as well as CHP 11-99 Life Member, Gary Goltz who organized the event.

A proclamation was given to the Commissioner and was read by Gary Goltz to the tune of the original TV show's theme song that said:

Whenever the laws of the State of California are broken or the welfare of our citizens is endangered, for 75 years a duly authorized organization has always been there to swing into action. This noble group of dedicated men and women is known as the California Highway Patrol. It stories of training, skill, and courage to enforce and preserve our state laws have made for excellent television entertainment. We the people of Los Angeles and Hollywood want to recognize and dedicate this date, October 4, 2004, as California Highway Patrol, 10-4 Day.

As a result of it's success, Tom LaBonge and Johnny Grant have decided to make "10-4 Day" an annual event.

The same event is also covered in an LA Times article.