In California Highway Patrol's 91-year history, Amanda L Ray will be named the department's first female African American deputy commissioner.

CALIFORNIA, USA — For the first time in California Highway Patrol's 91-year history, an African American woman will be named deputy commissioner.

CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley announced that Assistant Commissioner Amanda L. Ray will be promoted to second-in-command of the nation's largest police agency.

Stanley was reappointed in 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom, who applauded the announcement Friday.

“I am grateful to continue to serve alongside the amazing women and men who are dedicated each day to providing the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California," said Ray. "I look forward to continue to make the Department one that our employees and the people of this great state can admire and be proud of.”

Deputy Commissioner Ray is an Oakland-native and has been part of CHP for 30 years. She started her career as a cadet and rose through the ranks to become assistant commissioner.

Ray will replace Scott Silsbee, who retired in December.

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