Beyond the Badge

Centinela honors staff with Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos display with staff standing in front at Centinela.
Centinel staff who've passed are being honored with a Dia de los Meurtos display in the institution's administration building.

Centinela State Prison recently observed Dia de los Muertos by showing respect for deceased staff who worked at the prison.

Families were able to bring a photo of their loved ones and decorate the portraits, adding a personal touch. The photos were then placed in a decorated display in the administration building.

“We are a family. I want you all to know, we will always be here for you.”

Warden Fidencio Guzman

Families were grateful for the detailed Centinela Dia de los Muertos display.

“You were like family to them. For you to recognize them in this way, we truly appreciate it,” said one of the family members.

Rosie Garcia also stopped by the institution. Garcia was Centinela’s first warden, serving from 1994 until 2000.

As soon as she walked into the room, she spoke about memories she had during her time at Centinela.

Centinela is continuing to invite family members who lost their loved ones to stop by the institution.

“We are a family. I want you all to know, we will always be here for you,” said Warden Guzman.

Submitted by Lt. S. Cazares

See more stories highlighting CDCR/CCHCS staff.

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

Related content

Honor guards from High Desert State Prison in Susanville and Federal Correctional Institution Herlong honored fallen officers during their 19th annual ceremony.

High Desert State Prison, FCI‑Herlong honor fallen officers

Staff from High Desert State Prison in Susanville joined their counterparts at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Herlong to host…

Heather Duarte, the Community Resources Manager (CRM) at Calipatria State Prison, earned a CIF award for coaching a local swimming team.

CRM Heather Duarte earns CIF coaching honor

Calipatria State Prison Community Resources Manager (CRM) Heather Duarte has devoted over three decades to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring student-athletes.…

Group photo of Calipatria State Prison and their 10 new staff Peer Support Program volunteers, making the team 30 strong.

Staff Peer Support Program expands at Calipatria

During annual staff Peer Support Program (PSP) training, Calipatria State Prison welcomed 10 new members to the team. With these…

Cadet Barajas and others smiling at the Basic Correctional Officer Academy.

Cadet to officer: Meet class 2‑26A graduate Barajas

A cadet in class 2-26A of the CDCR Academy received high praise from his training sergeant and fellow cadets. “Cadet…

Special Olympics athlete and CDCR/CCHCS runners carry flags during the Capitol leg of the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Watch: 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run rallies in Sacramento

The final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Northern California received a ceremonious sendoff from CDCR…

Woman smiling while carrying the torch.

Staff carry torch across California for Special Olympics

Across California, CDCR and CCHCS staff proudly carried the Special Olympics Flame of Hope during the Law Enforcement Torch Run.…