When Ted Pruitt went to work as a correctional officer in 1970, he laid out a path generations of his family would follow. He passed away a year ago on Jan. 10, 2023.
He began his career at California Men’s Colony in 1970. In March 1975, he promoted to correctional sergeant at California Correctional Institution. In April 1981, he transferred to the Correctional Training Facility at Soledad, promoting to lieutenant. He became part of the California State Prison, Corcoran, activation team in 1987. The following year, he promoted to captain. After 30 years of public service, he retired in 1999.
He and his wife, who also retired from the CSP-Corcoran, traveled in their fifth wheel, visiting family along their journey.
Pruitt is survived by his wife, Wanda, four children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Several of his surviving family members are part of CDCR, California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA), and CAL FIRE.
His daughter, Debbie Pruitt, works at California Men’s Colony while his son, Ted Pruitt Jr., works for California Prison Industry Authority at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF). A third generation, granddaughter Ariel Pruitt, also works at SATF. Meanwhile, Mitchell Willis, a grandson, works for CAL FIRE.
“We at CSP-Corcoran extend our deepest condolences to the Pruitt family as they mourn the loss of their loved one,” according to a statement issued at the time of his passing.
Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.
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