Awards and Appreciation, Beyond the Badge, CDCR Weekender

Marmaduke couple named employees of month

September 14, 2024

Will and Heather Marmaduke, shown here with their daughter, were named employees of the month for PVSP and SATF.

The Marmaduke family, a married couple working at different CDCR institutions, each happened to be selected as employees of the month.

Heather and Will Marmaduke, married for 18 years, were selected as employees of the month in August. She works for Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) while he is employed at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran (SATF).

The couple also have a daughter who is almost 16 years old. When they are not busy at work, the family enjoys taking trips to the lake and playing golf. Of course, this is only if they aren’t busy with their daughter’s busy softball schedule.

Meet the Marmaduke family

Heather Marmaduke holding employee of the month certificate and a wooden award. — Heather Marmaduke

Correctional Officer Will Marmaduke standing in the lobby of a prison. — Heather Marmaduke

Heather Marmaduke began her career with the department in 1999 at PVSP as an office assistant in the mailroom. She has held numerous out-of-class and full-time positions at PVSP and Avenal State Prison. She’s been an office technician, personnel specialist, and associate governmental program analyst. Heather took a position at Fresno Regional in October 2008, where she remained until she returned to PVSP in December 2013 as a health contract analyst. In November 2021, Heather assumed the role of health program specialist at PVSP.

“Heather is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and supportive to all who know her,” according to the institution.

Will Marmaduke, a correctional officer since 1998

Will Marmaduke began his career with the department as a cadet in 1998 at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center.

After graduating the academy, he was assigned to SATF as a correctional officer. He has held several positions at SATF. In March 2016, he was assigned as an investigator to the Investigative Services Unit. He’s processed numerous crime scenes, completing complex interviews and investigations, discovering controlled substances and other contraband. His investigations have led to charges against incarcerated people as well as civilians. They’re facing murder, federal racketeering and drug trafficking charges.

Will also initiated an extensive investigation originating at SATF. The investigation spanned four years and involved multiple agencies including the FBI, Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Protection, and the US Marshals. He dedicated hundreds of hours of work and completed numerous documents in order to meet the requirements for successful prosecution of the involved suspects.

Will’s investigation led to 60 arrests, the seizure of 12,931 pounds of methamphetamine, 23.52 kilos of fentanyl, 18.32 kilos of cocaine, 10 kilos of heroin, 35 firearms, and 12 indictments. The defendants in this case face a range of sentences including maximum penalties of 20 years, 40 years, and life in prison.

Heather and Will Marmaduke are one of many couples who work in CDCR. These two employees serve as role models in their respective fields.

Story by Lt. Brent Urban and Lt. Jason Martin.

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