Obituaries

Scott Rizer, retired officer, passes away

Scott Rizer, a retired correctional officer and veteran of Desert Storm, passed away July 6, 2024.

Scott Rizer obituary image
Scott Rizer

He began his state career in July 1996 at California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi where he spent his entire career. He retired in May 2012.

Services will be held in October at Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin. Details are not yet available.

“We send our thoughts and prayers to Scott’s family, friends, and coworkers he met along his career,” according to a statement issued by the institution.

Rizer served in the US Army in Desert Storm. He is survived by two daughters.


Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Related content

Frank Yoldi, retired clinical social worker

Frank Yoldi, a retired clinical social worker from Folsom State Prison, passed away Feb. 28, 2026, just a week shy…

Randall Richardson, retired correctional officer

Randall Richardson, a retired correctional officer, passed away Feb. 28, 2026. Richardson began his career with the department in April…

Nereo Bonilla Jr, retired correctional officer

Nereo Bonilla Jr., a retired correctional officer, has passed away, according to Pleasant Valley State Prison. A date of passing…

Ernest Randall, retired correctional sergeant

Ernest Randall, a retired correctional sergeant, passed away March 2, 2026. He worked for the department for two decades. Before…

Jewerl Thomas, retired correctional officer

Jewerl Thomas, a retired correctional officer, passed away Feb. 20, 2026. He worked for the department from 1995 until 2018.…

Reginald Sears, retired parole deputy administrator

Reginald “Reggie” Sears, a retired parole deputy administrator, passed away Feb. 8, 2026. He retired in 2004 after 30 years…