LAKE COUNTY — Coming to Lake County as California Highway Patrol (CHP) Clear Lake Area Commander feels like coming home for Lt. Greg Baarts.
He came onboard on May 1 and began as commander officially on July 1.
Not only does he know many of his coworkers from working with them in the past, he grew up on the North Coast and is happy to be “home.”
Baarts is second-generation law enforcement with an impressive background that includes time as a detective and on the drug task force.
His father was with the CHP for 32 years, his brother is currently a sergeant with the Ukiah Police Department and his sister was a sergeant with the CHP.
Baarts said he”s enjoyed a smooth transition and a welcome reception to his new post, where he oversees 21 officers, three sergeants, nine senior volunteers, three clerical staff and an automotive technician. He said the department is currently down four positions.
Because of the state budget crisis, Clear Lake Area CHP is working short-handed, which is especially challenging when covering 800 miles of state and county roads, Baarts said.
Consequently he is proactive with grants, as his goal is to “do everything we can to insure a safe environment for people traveling in, or through Lake County.”
He also thinks that public education is a major key to safety, providing defensive driving courses, senior driving classes and ongoing safe driving curriculum for teens and new motorists. Since he”s been in Lake County, he has mapped out areas where fatal incidents occur and mindfully watches for problematic times, days and traffic patterns.
He said the CHP actively assist all other law enforcement and emergency personnel agencies.
“I”ve worked with Brad (Chief Rasmussen: Lakeport Police Department) and Craig (Interim Chief: Clearlake Police Department) before and they”re really helpful,” Baarts said. “Here, (CHP) we have a lot of talented people in this office who are good at what they do. It all comes together as a package.”
Baarts said his philosophy includes preventing drunk driving, distracted driving (cell phone, electronics), unsafe speeds, restraint issues (seatbelts) and vehicle code violations and he”s “not afraid to go out on road patrol and get his hands dirty.”
“I”m a team player. I have no problem going out there to help the officers out on the road with handling calls or investigating incidents,” he said.
Baarts is community-minded and actively volunteers as well as coaching sports. He has been married for 18 years and has three children. He said he enjoys the rural, country-setting and the geographical diversity of Lake County. He and his family ride dirt bikes, fish and camp and he is happy to be in an environment, like the place where he grew up.
The Clear Lake Area CHP will be available to answer questions during the Lake County Fair this weekend.
