Appointments and Promotions, Beyond the Badge

Generations of service marked at CCWF

August 12, 2024

Then and now: Anissa De La Cruz receives her badge from her father in 2004 (top photo) and her warden pin from her father in 2024.

Generations of service were evident during Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) first promotional ceremony.

Recently appointed Warden Anissa De La Cruz was surprised by managers when her father arrived to pin her warden rank.

Retired Correctional Officer A. De La Cruz, along with other family members, showed up at the first CCWF promotional ceremony to recognize the recently appointed warden.

Warden De La Cruz, Chief Deputy Warden Cynthia Rojas, and CEO Rojirio “Roy” De La Cerda planned to honor staff promotions throughout the institution.

During the pinning portion of the ceremony, De La Cruz’s father, who pinned her with a correctional officer badge 20 years earlier, stepped forward to pin her as warden.

She began her career with the department in 2004 as a correctional officer at Wasco State Prison.

Combined, the warden and her father represent two generations of service as well as over 40 years of combined correctional experience.

Warden De La Cruz’s spouse, children, and mother were all part of the surprise.

The opening ceremony began with the Central Valley Honor Guard’s presentation of the colors and Protestant Chaplain Melissa Untalon-Espino delivering of the invocation and singing the National Anthem.

The promotional ceremony also allowed recruiters to share career opportunities with family members and friends in attendance.

Promotions for 22 custody, non-custody CCWF staff

Among those recognized during the first promotional ceremony were five new sergeants:

Salina Alvarado
Michael Motz
Wesley Markland
Damar Randle
and Marisol Gasca.

Also, 17 non-custody staff positions were recognized for their promotions:

Gwendolyn Angert
Laura Buell
Ashlyn Carlos
Priscilla Fontanilla
Brandy Hardwick
Steven Lowry
Eric Marcellini
Danielle Mayhue
Richard Ornelas
Amandeep Padda
Carolyn Perez
Maria Sandoval
Adam Solis
Veronica Solis
Wishon Tovar
Yurina Valenzuela
and Vanessa Vega.

All honorees received promotional certificates. The custody supervisors were also presented with their first set of chevrons, donated by the California Correctional Supervisors Organization and a framed version of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.

The honorees’ loved ones then had the opportunity to pin the new ranks on their uniforms and enjoy a lunch in the outside gazebo area.

Warden De La Cruz then had the newly appointed sergeants raise their right hands and repeat the oath.

The honorary presentation ceremony recognized the strengths, dedication, and exceptional leadership of the Honorees.

“It is an honor and privilege to empower these newly promoted sergeants and promotional non-custody staff as they step into their new roles and continue to strive for amazing endeavors,” she said. “This event was special for so many and will continue to be a new opportunity to encourage our staff in their promotional patterns and careers.”

Many attending family members and friends expressed their appreciation for being a part of such a grand event and looked forward to participating in more institutional events highlighting staff.

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

Submitted by Lt. MD Williams