CDCR staff gathered in Sacramento to compete in the 2024 Battle of the Badges, raising mental health awareness through the boxing ring.
Participants joined to physically challenge themselves and promote wellness.
CDCR staff support mental health awareness
“If you feel that you’re not worth it, just know there are so many people (who) would rather have you there, than not,” said Albert De Leon, correctional sergeant at Ironwood State Prison.
Battle of the Badges is a night of amateur boxing held in partnership with public safety organizations including law enforcement, firefighters, and military personnel.
“There’s days when you feel like you’re not going to make it. Then there (are) days when you just get up and keep going,” said Briana Doss, a correctional officer at California State Prison, Solano. “So sometimes the consistency just gets you there.”
This year, 22 of the 38 boxers represented CDCR. The event serves as a space for all first responders to join together, outside the pressures of the job.
Story and video by Quinn Sheppard, associate governmental program analyst
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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