Weekender Digest: Losses, holidays, hope

In this Weekender Digest, we look at the week’s stories of losses, holidays, and hope. The Weekender Digest compresses the week’s news, giving our busy staff a chance to easily get caught up on stories published throughout the week.

Beyond the Badge

Associate Warden Groves retires after 35 years

After dedicating three and a half decades to his career, Associate Warden David Groves looks to retirement with mixed emotions. While he will miss the close bonds and camaraderie found in an institutional setting, he eagerly anticipates leisurely cruises and cherished moments with loved ones in the comfort of his own home. Read the full story.

Calipatria prison hosts third junior academy

Calipatria State Prison hosted its third Junior Correctional Officer Academy for staff and their children. The academy was created to provide Calipatria staff with an opportunity to create a meaningful experience with their children. Held Nov. 26, the academy offers a kid-friendly version of academy life similar to what custody staff went through. Read the full story.

Department celebrates holiday season

In institutions, parole offices, and headquarters, staff and the incarcerated population observed the holiday season through events and decorations. Above, California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton is embracing the holiday spirit with a collaborative transformation of its front entrance thanks to staff and the creativity of the incarcerated population. This round-up will be updated as more submissions are received. Read the round-up.

Community Involvement

Staff, incarcerated give back to community

Staff and the incarcerated population are giving back to the community during the holiday season. Through toy drives, refurbishing bicycles at Folsom State Prison (above), and staff visiting schools, the department is making a difference. Corrections Services at CCHCS also gathered gifts for Sacramento Children’s Home. This round-up will be updated as more submissions are received. Read the full round-up.

CTF-Soledad helps students in need

Thanks to the incarcerated population at Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad, high school students in need received help in the form of hygiene supplies. The month-long hygiene supply drive benefited students in need at Rancho Cielo High School in Salinas. The drive was organized by the incarcerated population from Facility C Phoenix Alliance (general population) and the Veterans Transition Center from Facility A and B (non-designated programming facilities). Read the full story.

Rehabilitation

Medal of Valor honoree, former incarcerated youth share story of hope

Retired peace officer Richard Glassman and formerly incarcerated youth Joseph Herd visited California Institution for Men (CIM) to share their story of hope. Glassman was awarded the Medal of Valor in 2015 for saving Herd’s life during a riot at the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility. After Herd paroled, the pair got in touch, with Glassman learning his actions had done more than save a life, they had changed a mind. Read the full story.

Malibu Camp screens firefighting documentary

Staff and incarcerated individuals from Malibu Conservation Camp 13 recently attended a screening of the firefighting documentary, Firebreak. Lt. A. Banks and Sgt. M. Johnson, with the camp, facilitated the special screening at the Ron Olson Justice Center in Los Angeles. The screening featured Firebreak, a documentary chronicling the powerful journeys of Brandon Smith and Royal Ramey, who used their experiences in conservation camps to establish the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP). Their story highlights the potential for personal transformation and career success through firefighting, serving as a source of inspiration for attendees. Read the full story.

Obituaries

CRC Norco mourns loss of retired K‑9 Pita

Pita, a retired Investigative Service Unit (ISU) K-9 from California Rehabilitation Center (CRC), passed away Dec. 2, 2024. Read the full story.

Derrick Ollison, retired Ironwood State Prison warden, passes at 67

Derrick Ollison, a military veteran and retired warden, passed away Nov. 25, 2024. He worked for the department for 29 years, retiring in 2008 from Ironwood State Prison. Ollison was 67 years old. Read the full story.

Department mourns recent losses

A nurse and three retirees are recent losses mourned by their friends, family, and coworkers. Read the obituaries section.

Week in Review

Week in Review: Dec. 13

In this Week in Review for Dec. 13: California Institution for Men donates hygiene items to HOPE (above), Avenal hosts incarcerated art exhibit, and three questions with Tiffany Orff. Read the Week in Review.

The Weekender Digest is compiled by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor.

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