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Chuckawalla prison leaders celebrate staff’s hard work

Men in uniform wait in line.
Officers Joslin and Valencia enjoy the Staff Appreciation Day at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison.

By Lt. JJ Hernandez

Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (or CVSP) and California Correctional Health Care Services (or CCHCS) Management Staff recently hosted their annual Staff Appreciation Day. This event is intended to show staff how much prison leadership appreciates their hard work and dedication.

The weather could not have been nicer; it was only a crisp 110 degrees in the beautiful desert. Regardless of the heat, CVSP Management staff rolled-up their sleeves, fired-up the grills, and cooked for their hardworking employees. 

Man in uniform and protective vest smiles while holding a box lunch.
Sgt. Glover is all smiles.

CVSP and CCHCS Management Staff gathered outside the front entrance building and grilled over 900 cheeseburgers. As Management staff were cooking the burgers, a second team placed the cheeseburgers along with a variety of chips, cookies and condiments in a styrofoam container. Representatives from the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) delivered the meals to all five facilities. Staff were also provided bottled waters and a variety of soft drinks.

Not only was CVSP staff treated to a hot meal, but they were also entered into a drawing with prizes ranging from Yeti tumblers to a 55-inch flat screen television. Ten winning tickets were drawn and the winning employees received their prizes as they left for the day.        

As third watch staff walked through the front entrance building, Chief Deputy Warden D. Holbrook and Chief Executive Officer J. Murrain, greeted all staff and personally ensured they received a hot meal. This process was repeated as first watch staff arrived and entered the front entrance building. 

 Warden Callahan personally thanked all Management staff for their hard work to make this event a successful one. A special thanks to the local California Correctional Supervisor Organization, CCPOA and the CVSP Employees’ Association, these organizations came together and made this event a memorable one.

Men stand in front of barbecue grill.
Capt. Richards and CBM Martinez work the grill.