Scholarship honors fallen CMF officer Al Patch

Three graduating high school seniors were awarded $1,000 each in scholarships at California Medical Facility. The project honors the memory of fallen Correctional Officer Al Patch, who was killed in the line of duty in 1980.

By Lt. Megan Cherinka

Three incoming college freshmen are better equipped for their first year of college thanks to the California Medical Facility (CMF) annual Al Patch Scholarship. The program allows staff to honor the memory of the fallen officer.

Each year, scholarships are awarded to eligible high school seniors whose family works at CMF. In early July, Emily Corbett, Zachary Tileston and Gedric Libatique attended the Warden’s Executive Team meeting where each was awarded $1,000.

Albert “Al” Patch, a 16-year veteran of the department, was fatally stabbed while on duty Aug. 17, 1980, as he attempted to break up a fight.

Did you know? The City of Vacaville named a park after the fallen officer (link opens new tab).

Read more about CDCR’s community involvement (link opens new tab).