Beyond the Badge

Correctional Officer takes top honors at 2020 Motocross races

Correctional Officer Ronald De Jesus rides the track at the 2020 Fire Police Motocross races.
Correctional Officer Ronald De Jesus takes top honors at the 2020 Fire Police Motocross races.

Officer De Jesus finds balance through motocross

By Lt. Wilona Lewis

While Ronald De Jesus is passionate about his daily duties as a Correctional Officer at California Health Care Facility (CHCF), he’s also racked up years of wins at motocross events.

At just 13, he started racing and still hits the off-road tracks every chance he gets.

“I will keep racing until my limbs stop working,” he said.

Correctional Officer Ronald De Jesus poses with his motorcycle and championship plaque.
Correctional Officer Ronald De Jesus sports his national championship plaque at the Fire Police Motocross races.

Officer wins expert-class category

Officer De Jesus competed Oct. 12-13 in the 2020 Fire Police Motocross Racing Event at the Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino.

Members of law enforcement and firefighters raced to represent their agencies. Officer De Jesus represented CDCR, taking top honors in the age group of 40-49 Expert Class. The event used two different tracks, offering three motocross runs each day.

De Jesus won all six, taking the National Class Championship.

“Motocross racing is similar to walking the line as an officer,” he said. “Of course, you know what your job entails as an officer and you know what you have to do for the win,” he explained.

“Every split second counts. While making a clear judgment and upholding a quick response, it will always result in a great outcome or a very bad outcome.”

Officer De Jesus, a five-year CDCR employee, said he enjoyed riding with coworkers at the races. He is encouraging other CDCR motocross racers to represent the department at next year’s event.