Appointments and Promotions, Beyond the Badge

Pelican Bay hosts first promotion ceremony

Pelican Bay State Prison hosted its first promotion ceremony for four new Correctional Sergeants: Cody Scott, Michael Alvarez, Josiah Johnson, and Ericka Alcala.

Warden Stephen Smith began the April 4 ceremony by providing words of encouragement. Institutional staff, along with family and friends of the newly promoted sergeants, were able to attend.

Each new sergeant was presented with a promotional certificate and their first set of chevrons. Their loved ones then had the opportunity to pin the new rank on their uniform.

This event also recognizes their hard work, dedication, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence.

“As we empower these newly promoted sergeants, they step into this new role with the ability to lead with integrity, inspire their teams, and continue to strive for excellence,” according to a statement issued by Pelican Bay. “This will be an everlasting memory for all in attendance.”

Organizers said they plan to continue this new tradition as it inspires others to take the next step in their careers.

Submitted by Lt. S. Leon

Pelican Bay promotion ceremony in pictures

Interested Correctional Officer applicants can apply online at JoinCDCR.com.

Read more Appointments and Promotions.

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).

Related content

A female custody staff member has her rank insignia pinned to her collar during a promotional ceremony at the California Health Care Facility in Stockton, June 26, 2026.

CHCF hosts third promotional ceremony

California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton hosted its third promotional ceremony to honor 19 staff members. The summer ceremony…

Isabella Espinoza with her recently retired dad, J. Espinoza, at her graduation from the CDCR Academy.

Espinoza begins CDCR career same day her father retires

Editor’s note: Isabella Espinoza graduated the academy with Class 3-26A, beginning her CDCR career the same day her father retired…

Class 3-26A cadets celebrate after graduating the CDCR Academy in Galt.

CDCR welcomes 139 new correctional officers

Class 3-26A’s 139 cadets graduated the Basic Correctional Officer Academy in a ceremony in front of family and close friends.…

Audience members listen during the first promotional ceremony at Folsom State Prison.

Folsom Prison hosts first promotional ceremony for 34 staff

Folsom State Prison (FSP) held its inaugural promotional ceremony July 31 recognizing 34 employees who recently received promotions. Held near…

Honor Guard from Centinel State Prison opens the promotions ceremony.

Centinela ceremony marks staff promotions

Centinela State Prison hosted a July 6 ceremony acknowledging recent promotions for non-custody and custody staff. Centinela’s Honor Guard conducted…

Staff members hold hands over hearts during the opening of the CTF promotional ceremony.

CTF recognizes 24 staff during promotional ceremony

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad recognized 24 newly promoted employees during a June 26 promotional ceremony. Held at…