Retiree Rex Gerber looks back on CDCR career

January 22, 2024

Rex Gerber, who retired from the department in 2020, spoke with writer Viorel Vintila to discuss his 27-year career as a correctional officer and sergeant.

Growing up, Gerber wanted to be in law enforcement. A couple of years after graduating college, he was hired by the department in April 1993.

Rex Gerber and his path to becoming a correctional officer

“I wanted to be a deputy or city police officer,” Gerber recalled “I graduated from Western Oregon University in 1991 with a degree in criminal justice but was having trouble getting hired, and I must have done at least a dozen law enforcement interviews and applications.”

His father-in-law told him about the drive to hire new correctional officers in California.

“Initially, I was reluctant, but after serious thought, I decided to apply,” he said. “I nailed the interview as I had a lot of practice. At that point, I just wanted insurance, good benefits, and economic security as my oldest son was just born. Being a provider was important to me and was where I gained a lot of my self-worth from.”

He started in Blythe before being transferred to Valley State Prison in Chowchilla.

“I seemed to fit in well and was pretty good at the job. From the very beginning, I gained some respect from the fellow correctional officers and my supervisors. It seemed like the perfect job for me,” Gerber said. “It was a secure job I enjoyed. Also, I made great money allowing me to live a pretty comfortable life.”

Balancing life, work and mental health

His advice to those who are looking to make it to retirement, is to pace yourself and take care of your mental health.

“It takes good judgment,” he said. “I worked a ton of overtime, and this is probably one of my biggest regrets. It took a heavy toll on my body, and it hurt my health and overall mental health. I missed out on a lot of life experiences. I think that is one of the biggest mistakes that people who work for the CDCR make. They work many hours, and they don’t realize that later in life, all that wear and tear would weigh heavy on their health.”

Working for results

Gerber said his career was rewarding, especially when he saw results beyond the walls.

“Sometimes I run into a former (incarcerated person) in the free world and they report to me how good they are doing,” Gerber said. “I like to hear success stories. Nothing makes me upset about my job. I approached the job with the mindset that all I am is a small cog in a big machine and getting upset at things I can’t control is just plain stupid. I call it CDCR maturity.”

Much like today’s California Model efforts, Gerber said it’s important to remember those in CDCR care are people.

“You have to remember you are in the human being business (and) you still have to treat them with dignity. It goes a long way. When you treat them with dignity and respect, you gain influence with (the incarcerated population). Expecting them to return the favor doesn’t always happen, but that is OK. You should never take it personally. If you take it personally, you will be miserable, and may not make it with the department.”

Story written by Viorel Vintila, Psychiatric Technician
Valley State Prison

(Editor’s note: Rex Gerber spoke with Viorel Vintila two weeks after he retired in 2020. This story has been updated.)

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