The Leadership Crucible Podcast Inside the California Highway Patrol: A Bold New Era with Commissioner Sean Duryee
Sep 16, 2025
36:30
Public trust in law enforcement has never been more important — or more complex. In this episode of The Leadership Crucible Podcast, Retired Fire Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with Commissioner Sean Duryee, the 17th Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), to explore how one of the largest state police agencies in the nation is navigating change.
Commissioner Duryee offers a clear, thoughtful look into the internal and external pressures facing public safety leaders today. With a 27-year career spanning every rank in the CHP, his perspective reflects both operational experience and a deep commitment to service. This conversation addresses the challenges of modern policing, from recruiting and retaining the next generation of officers, to embracing transparency, technology, and training that meets today’s demands.
Rather than relying on rhetoric or soundbites, Commissioner Duryee speaks to the steady, values-based leadership required to steward a department of over 11,000 employees and a $3.2 billion budget — all while serving millions of Californians.For anyone interested in public leadership, civic responsibility, or how large institutions evolve with integrity, this episode provides timely and practical insight.
IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Commissioner Sean Duryee
03:25 – The Weight of Leading 11,000 Officers
06:40 – Inside the CHP: Scale, Structure, and Mission
09:10 – From U.S. Army to CHP: A Journey of Service
13:48 – Leading Through Crisis: Mental Health & Critical Incidents
17:32 – Culture Change Starts With Listening
21:05 – Recruitment, Retention & the New Generation of Officers
25:12 – Transparency, Training, and Public Trust
28:47 – Technology, Body Cams, & Accountability
31:44 – Coaching Basketball and Staying Grounded
34:30 – The Power of Humility in Law Enforcement
37:15 – Final Reflections: Why Bold Leadership Matters
ABOUT COMMISSIONER DURYEE:
Sean Duryee is the 17th Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023. A 27-year veteran of the CHP and a U.S. Army veteran, Commissioner Duryee now leads the nation’s largest state police agency, overseeing a $3.2 billion operational budget and nearly 11,000 sworn officers and civilian employees tasked with protecting millions across the Golden State.Commissioner Duryee has held every rank in the Department since entering the CHP Academy in 1998, rising through roles such as Academy Instructor, Commander of the Commercial Vehicle Section, Special Representative to the Legislature, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner. His leadership has been pivotal in modernizing officer training and advancing public safety initiatives, including the implementation of the Advanced Officer Safety Training Program. He is also a recipient of the Governor’s Employee Safety Award.Beyond his official duties, Duryee is a lifelong servant leader. He’s taught community self-defense courses, mentored youth through local church groups, and spent over a decade coaching high school basketball, where he currently serves as a varsity women’s head coach.Commissioner Duryee holds an A.A. in Sociology from Sacramento City College and a B.A. in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute & University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute (Class #47). His leadership is marked by a firm belief in community service, integrity, and fair and impartial policing — qualities he brings to a new era of law enforcement in California.
LINKS & RESOURCES:
- Sean Duryee | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-duryee-94b40a36a/)
- California Highway Patrol (https://www.chp.ca.gov/)
- YouTube | California Highway Patrol (https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCHPChannel)
- Facebook | California Highway Patrol (https://www.facebook.com/chp/)
LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:
- YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@theleadershipcrucible)
- Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/5f2mxvfj)
- Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/5xvp5wyu)
CONNECT WITH US:
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Web (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/)
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theleadershipcruciblefoundation)
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-leadership-crucible-foundation/)
- Chief Bruegman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/chiefbruegman)
- Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)
MUSIC CREDITS:
Fanfare For The Common Man
Ascend - Waes Hael (MB018SYEBHE3TNL)
This Is The Good Life (Instrumental) - MOONWATER (MB01CTIIAZV80UU)
Commissioner Duryee offers a clear, thoughtful look into the internal and external pressures facing public safety leaders today. With a 27-year career spanning every rank in the CHP, his perspective reflects both operational experience and a deep commitment to service. This conversation addresses the challenges of modern policing, from recruiting and retaining the next generation of officers, to embracing transparency, technology, and training that meets today’s demands.
Rather than relying on rhetoric or soundbites, Commissioner Duryee speaks to the steady, values-based leadership required to steward a department of over 11,000 employees and a $3.2 billion budget — all while serving millions of Californians.For anyone interested in public leadership, civic responsibility, or how large institutions evolve with integrity, this episode provides timely and practical insight.
IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Commissioner Sean Duryee
03:25 – The Weight of Leading 11,000 Officers
06:40 – Inside the CHP: Scale, Structure, and Mission
09:10 – From U.S. Army to CHP: A Journey of Service
13:48 – Leading Through Crisis: Mental Health & Critical Incidents
17:32 – Culture Change Starts With Listening
21:05 – Recruitment, Retention & the New Generation of Officers
25:12 – Transparency, Training, and Public Trust
28:47 – Technology, Body Cams, & Accountability
31:44 – Coaching Basketball and Staying Grounded
34:30 – The Power of Humility in Law Enforcement
37:15 – Final Reflections: Why Bold Leadership Matters
ABOUT COMMISSIONER DURYEE:
Sean Duryee is the 17th Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023. A 27-year veteran of the CHP and a U.S. Army veteran, Commissioner Duryee now leads the nation’s largest state police agency, overseeing a $3.2 billion operational budget and nearly 11,000 sworn officers and civilian employees tasked with protecting millions across the Golden State.Commissioner Duryee has held every rank in the Department since entering the CHP Academy in 1998, rising through roles such as Academy Instructor, Commander of the Commercial Vehicle Section, Special Representative to the Legislature, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner. His leadership has been pivotal in modernizing officer training and advancing public safety initiatives, including the implementation of the Advanced Officer Safety Training Program. He is also a recipient of the Governor’s Employee Safety Award.Beyond his official duties, Duryee is a lifelong servant leader. He’s taught community self-defense courses, mentored youth through local church groups, and spent over a decade coaching high school basketball, where he currently serves as a varsity women’s head coach.Commissioner Duryee holds an A.A. in Sociology from Sacramento City College and a B.A. in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute & University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute (Class #47). His leadership is marked by a firm belief in community service, integrity, and fair and impartial policing — qualities he brings to a new era of law enforcement in California.
LINKS & RESOURCES:
- Sean Duryee | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-duryee-94b40a36a/)
- California Highway Patrol (https://www.chp.ca.gov/)
- YouTube | California Highway Patrol (https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCHPChannel)
- Facebook | California Highway Patrol (https://www.facebook.com/chp/)
LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:
- YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@theleadershipcrucible)
- Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/5f2mxvfj)
- Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/5xvp5wyu)
CONNECT WITH US:
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Web (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/)
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theleadershipcruciblefoundation)
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-leadership-crucible-foundation/)
- Chief Bruegman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/chiefbruegman)
- Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)
MUSIC CREDITS:
Fanfare For The Common Man
Ascend - Waes Hael (MB018SYEBHE3TNL)
This Is The Good Life (Instrumental) - MOONWATER (MB01CTIIAZV80UU)