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Why We Love This Place Wednesdays: Linda Powell

Sgt. Linda Powell retired Tuesday after 21 years with the California Highway Patrol

By Terra Avilla

When it comes to women in law enforcement in Lassen County, CHP Sergeant Linda Powell pretty much has the corner on the market of being the coolest. She is one of the most experienced law enforcement officers we have in Lassen County and, as happy as I am that she is safely retired as of yesterday, I am definitely going to miss seeing her in uniform.

I cannot really tell you how I met Linda, although I am sure it was work related.

All that I remember about it is that she kind of just showed up in my life as this happy ball of energy that literally goes out of her way to help anyone.

In the past five years she has been a great point of contact for CHP and is always willing to help with any community event. She is honest and hardworking and so easy to talk to. She is respected among her peers and I have never met anyone who doesn’t adore that woman.

Linda, like all community treasures, is so much more than just her career. Linda is truly a pivotal piece of our community. Linda spends hours and hours bringing people to the county through multiple community events that she helps plan, such as the Paiute Meadows Trail race and the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.

Year after year Linda messages me telling me I needed to participate in her runs. She is persistent, but in a ‘you can’t say no, because she is so nice, and it’s for a good cause’ kind of way. I laugh, she laughs. I do the run and tell myself I’m never running again… until the next time she calls and kindly tells me I’m participating whether I like it or not.

Linda runs class A events locally, bringing runners and tourists to our community from all over the country. She hosts the events seamlessly. I watch her MC the events and I just do not know how she does it all. CHP Sergeant, mother, friend, mentor, community advocate and volunteer. She wears so many hats, but she wears them so incredibly well.

Last year I called her asking to borrow a very expensive speaker for a community dance. Linda did not even hesitate to say yes. She is kind, trusting and sincere. Just easy and laid back, “Sure you can take it. I’ll have it ready for you.”

Linda always brightens my day when I see her and I know I am not alone. She has had a very distinguished career and I have never heard anyone say anything negative about her. Ever. For the average person that is rare, but for a law enforcement officer it is almost unheard of.

When you are Linda Powell, that is just how it is.

I am so happy my friend gets to enjoy her retirement with her family, but I am going to miss seeing her in uniform. I can only imagine the hole it will leave in our local CHP office. Who can follow that?

Sgt. Powell, you are an inspiration to me and I am sure to so many others. In your 20+ career in law enforcement you have conducted yourself with pride and integrity. You never speak ill of anyone and are a bright spot of warmth and service to others.

People like you are the type of people we need in this world and are definitely the type of people we want wearing badges.

Although you are now officially on ‘day one’ of your retirement, I know you will continue to shine that bright light of yours everywhere. You are one of the reasons I love the place we live.


Jeremy Couso
Jeremy Couso
SusanvilleStuff.com Publisher/Editor
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