Robert “Bob” Borg, retired Folsom State Prison warden, died November 21, 2015, at the age of 77.
Borg was born on July 5, 1938 in Moline, IL, to Roy C. Borg and Elzada Marie Borg. After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force and was eventually stationed at McClellan Air Force Base. While there, he met and married Diana Wiley, beginning their more than 57-year marriage.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1960, he secured a job as a Correctional Officer at Folsom State Prison. Thus began his 32-year career in state service. Over the years, he worked at 11 institutions and promoted through the ranks. He retired as the Warden of Folsom State Prison in 1992; ironically right where he had started.
While a Lieutenant assigned as the Training Manager at the California Medical Facility, he was instrumental in developing the initial Departmental Training Academy and the statewide Apprenticeship Program, greatly enhancing the professionalism within the department.
Later, he worked as a retired annuitant for the Department when he developed and facilitated a Wardens Peer Interactive Training Program. He mentored newer, less-experienced administrators.
He then went on to work for the Republic of Malta, establishing procedures for discipline, classification, perimeter and interior security, supervision of inmates and staff, staff training, searches, emergency response, and transportation of inmates.
In addition to the Republic of Malta, he worked with other corrections departments including Indiana, New Mexico and Arizona. He also spent over 20 years as a consultant and expert witness for the US Department of Justice, various Attorneys General, and private attorneys in court cases related to corrections.
He is survived by his wife Diana, his children Steve Borg and Wendy Burgess, and grandchildren.
Borg suffered from lymphoma in 2001 but was in full remission by 2003. In 2011, he was again stricken with cancer – this time multiple myeloma.
Robert “Bob” Borg lost his fight November 21, 2015.
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