CDCR announced the May 30 death of California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) Correctional Officer Danny Mendoza. He had recently tested positive for the coronavirus.
“I am deeply saddened by this dedicated officer’s passing,” CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz said. “My prayers are with the Mendoza family during this challenging time, and I know that everyone at CDCR sends their condolences and support.”
Officer Mendoza had been employed with the department for 24 years. He was appointed as a cadet in 1996. After graduating, he transferred as a correctional officer to Calipatria State Prison and then to California Rehabilitation Center in Norco in 2018, where he worked as a correctional officer until his death.
“I am heartbroken by the loss of one of our CRC family members,” CRC Warden Cynthia Tampkins said. “Officer Mendoza was loved and respected by his peers, he will be greatly missed.”
CRC staff were joined by public safety employees from Corona Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Corona Fire Department, Riverside County Fire Department, and Riverside County Coroner’s Office to honor Officer Mendoza with a vehicle procession on May 30.
An exact cause of death will be determined by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.
