CDCR events honor lives lost Sept. 11, 2001

CDCR, CCHCS events across California honor lives lost Sept. 11, 2001. From walks and music to art, events united staff and the incarcerated population for a common cause.

This story will be updated as more submissions are received from institutions, divisions, and programs. Submit Sept. 11 memorial ceremonies and events to editor Don Chaddock (email found in Global).

RJ Donovan hosts Sept. 11 remembrance walk

The Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility hosted a Sept. 11 remembrance walk on Facility D. Institutional staff joined the RJ Donovan Fire Department and incarcerated population by walking four laps to pay tribute to the 3,000 innocent lives tragically lost in a senseless act of terror.

Incarcerated individuals from facility D displayed several pieces of art at the remembrance event. They also provided the national anthem and music.

Information and photos provided by Facility D Capt. B. Franckowiak
Story submitted by Lt. A. Garvey

Pleasant Valley remembers Sept. 11

Pleasant Valley State Prison staff paused to remember the events of 9/11, marking the 23rd anniversary since the terrorist attacks on the USA. Lt. Jason Martin spoke to staff who gathered on the front lawn followed by a moment of silence, while staff reflected on the sacrifice and heroism displayed on that day and the days that followed.

Submitted by Lt. J. Martin

CTF, Salinas Valley prison join city’s Sept. 11 ceremony

City police and fire departments in Soledad held a special Sept. 11 event with the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) and Salinas Valley State Prison taking part in the ceremony.

The CTF and Salinas Valley State Prison color guard presented the American flag during the event.

Soledad Police Chief Damon Wasson led the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of remembering how 9/11 changed our lives and honoring the bravery shown on that day. He spoke about the incredible courage and dedication of the first responders and service members who helped during and after the attacks.

There was also a mural on display, painted by a member of the CTF Facility A population. The mural shows the bravery of the first responders on 9/11.

“This event and the mural remind us of the strength and bravery that define what it means to be American,” said CTF officials.

Submitted by Lt. Wil Landrum

Correctional Training Center marks 9/11

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, the Richard A. McGee Correctional Center in Galt assembled in front of the Fallen Correctional Officer Memorial with flags at half-staff to remember the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Academy Commander acting Captain Anita Sawma spoke to Academy Classes 6-24-A and 7-24-A, along with Academy Administrator Breann Cantu and other staff members. The training center observed a moment of silence, followed by Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes by Sgt. William Stanton from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.

Submitted by Breann Cantu, Academy Administrator

LAC remembers 9/11 at community event

On a bright, solemn morning at the Antelope Valley Mall in Palmdale, a gathering of community members, first responders, and local officials filled the air with reverence and reflection. The 9/11 Fallen Heroes Memorial Event, organized to honor the victims and survivors of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, brought together representatives from various agencies.

The California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC), the Los Angeles County Fire Department, CALFIRE, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol stood shoulder to shoulder unified in purpose.

LAC’s Chief Deputy Warden Darren Chamberlain took the stage and spoke of resilience, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of those how had given their lives in service. He reminded everyone not only of the global impact of 9/11 but also of the local heroes from the Antelope Valley who had served with honor and courage, ensuring their legacy would never be forgotten. The multi-agency honor guard, made up of participants from each of the organizations present, performed with precise dedication, their movements a symbol of respect for the fallen.

The sound of a bagpipe being played echoed through the crowd, touching the hearts of all who gathered. As the event ended, many in attendance reflected quietly, reminded of the bravery shown on that fateful day and the importance of community in times of hardship.

Submitted by Kaitlyn Critchfield

High Desert joins Lassen County remembrance

The High Desert State Prison Honor Guard and staff participated in the annual Lassen County 9/11 Ceremony.

Local law enforcement agencies and families gathered and commemorated the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack. The community remembrance ceremony was held at the Susanville Fire Department.

Members of the High Desert State Prison Honor Guard led the commencement, observing moments of silence, signaling for the US flag to be raised and flown at half-staff, all while demonstrating respect with a hand salute.

Sacrifice, love, generosity, grace, strength, and resilience were spoken of during the ceremony.

A piece of the World Trade Center was displayed during the ceremony, bringing a sense of realism to those who watched as the attack took place. The ceremony featured an in-person bagpipe tribute honoring those who died on 9/11.

Submitted by Lt. J. Micone

Avenal State Prison remembers 9/11

The American flag on Facility C fluttered at half-staff, a symbol of mourning and remembrance. It was a day that held great significance for the entire nation, but for the incarcerated persons and staff of Facility C, it held an even deeper meaning. As they gathered in the gymnasium, the atmosphere was heavy with emotions.

The incarcerated veterans’ group and color guard stood tall and proud, their military background shining through even in their current circumstances. A few staff and incarcerated veterans took the stage and shared their personal experiences and reflections on 9/11. Some had lost friends and family, while others had served in the military during that time.

As the moment of silence was observed, the room fell completely silent, a rare occurrence in a prison facility. And then, a 9/11 memorial video was played, showcasing the bravery and sacrifice of the first responders and civilians on that fateful day.

Tears were shed, memories were shared, and hearts were heavy. But in that moment, the walls of Facility C seemed to disappear, and they were all just Americans, united in their grief and love for their country. As the flag was raised back to full staff, a sense of hope and determination filled the room. They may be incarcerated, but they are still Americans, and they would never forget the lives lost Sept. 11, 2001.

Submitted by Lt. A. Schuller

SATF Honor Guard takes part in Clovis 9/11 Memorial ceremony

The California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) and State Prison Honor Guard team participated in the California 9/11 Memorial ceremony in Clovis.

The memorial is a permanent monument built to honor and remember the 2,977 people lost in the horrific 9/11 terrorist attack. The SATF Honor Guard Team, along with other citizens, first responders and military personnel, honored the brave spirits who gave their lives to save others. This year’s honored speaker was George D. Martin, Heisman Humanitarian, New York Giants Superbowl Champion and author of “Just Around the Bend – My Journey for 9/11.”

Submitted by Lt. B. Urban

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