Two Santa volunteers don red suit for NKSP

December 23, 2022

NKSP Correctional Officer Brian Nelson wore the Santa suit to distribute gifts to young students.

North Kern State Prison (NKSP) saw two Santa volunteers this year: a correctional officer and a recently retired sergeant.

(Read about the events.)

Correctional Officer Brian Nelson began with CDCR in 2013 at the Basic Correctional Officer Academy. This year, he put on the suit to distribute gifts to transitional kindergarten students in McFarland. It was his second year as Santa for NKSP.

Retired NKSP sergeant volunteers as Santa

Retired NKSP sergeant as Santa with high school students. — Recently retired Sgt. Manuel Correia was a hit with special-needs students at RFK High School.

The other volunteer Santa retired at the end of November after 20 years with CDCR. Sgt. Manuel Correia began at the Academy in March 2002. He was an officer at CSP-Corcoran until 2007, when he promoted to sergeant at NKSP.

“They both love to help spread the Christmas cheer. This was the second time they helped out and played Santa. Both have already requested to do it again next year,” said Lt. Jennifer Hooten.

By Don Chaddock and Lt. Jennifer Hooten.

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