Jon was among the first characters on a television series to be identified as a Vietnam Veteran. Larry Wilcox had served in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine during the Tet Offensive.
On the Sam Brown (holster) belt, behind the holster, you'll see the officers wearing a rectangular pouch. This is not a part of CHP/Law Enforcement items. This case actually housed the battery for the wireless microphones the actors wore.
In October 1981, two real-life California Highway Patrolmen were injured in the line of duty. The show's cast took time out to donate blood for the two officers. One survived.
Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada were often said to frequently clash, and did not get along well with each other during the production of this show. This was reported to be a factor in Wilcox's decision to quit the series. Estrada was said to be similarly displeased working with Tom Reilly, who replaced Wilcox as Poncherello's partner Officer Bob "Bobby" Nelson.
Erik Estrada suffered a very serious motorcycle accident while filming an episode. Until he recovered, he literally shot scenes from his hospital bed.
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