Happy Public Service Recognition Week! While your work is appreciated and valued all year round, this week is set aside annually as a formal recognition of all public servants.
Public service is about making a difference in people’s lives, always with the goal of improving the way the world around us works for our families, friends, neighbors, and communities. There is no higher calling than public service, and also no greater reward than to dedicate our lives to serve the people of this great state. Without your dedication and sacrifice, we would not be able to fulfill our important public safety and rehabilitation missions.
Many may not realize just how many people of diverse backgrounds, skill sets, and experience it takes to run this Department. We are all part of the operation, and every position is just as valuable and important as the next. Every prison is essentially a small city, with 24-7 operations that ensure our staff, population, and communities are safe. No matter your role, you are an important member of this team.
Whether you are new to this Department, approaching retirement, or anywhere in between, I thank you for all you do for California. This Department is unlike any other, and we are consistently impressed with how hard each and every one of you work in this challenging profession.
I know the leadership teams at CDCR, CCHCS, and DJJ join us in honoring all of our outstanding employees, this week and always. Thank you so much.
Kathleen Allison, Secretary, CDCR
J. Clark Kelso, Receiver, CCHCS