Mule Creek Warden Covello retires after 37 years

December 30, 2024

Mule Creek State Prison Warden Patrick Covello, shown here with his wife and young son, is retiring after 37 years of service to CDCR.

Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) Warden Patrick Covello is retiring after 37 years of service to CDCR.

Covello began his career in 1987 as a correctional officer at California Correctional Institution (CCI).

In 1995, he promoted to correctional sergeant at Ironwood State Prison. While there, he steadily advanced in various custody positions before promoting to correctional administrator in 2015 at San Quentin.

During his tenure at San Quentin, he was given the opportunity to serve as acting Chief Deputy Warden (CDW) before officially promoting to CDW in 2017 at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.

In 2020, Covello was appointed Warden of Mule Creek State Prison by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Over the years, Covello has contributed extensively to CDCR, serving as an Armory Sergeant, Institutional Gang Investigator, and a member of the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) for over 12 years.

He also earned numerous certifications including range-master/tactical firearms instructor, advanced armorer, 13th SERT marksman, and chemical-agents instructor, among others.

“The past five-and-a-half years as warden at Mule Creek have been some of the most memorable and rewarding of my career,” Covello said.

He thanked his wife Ashley for her unwavering support and sacrifices. Covello also thanked Chief Deputy Warden Bryan Holmes for his leadership and commitment to Mule Creek State Prison staff.

“The work in corrections nowadays is ever-changing and continues to be very challenging,” said Covello. “Because of the teamwork between all of our staff and the commitment to do great work, it has made it feel like family.”

Covello says Mule Creek was ‘second family’

Mule Creek State Prison golf tournament with Patrick Covello and four staff members. — Warden Covello and the four staff members at the golf tournament.

Warden Covello and Chief Deputy Warden Bryan Holmes. — Warden Covello and the four staff members at the golf tournament.

“Mule Creek will always be more than just a place of work for me, it has become my second family. I have been lucky enough to have met many of the staff families at the special events Mule Creek has hosted over the years,” he said.

Events at the prison include the annual Halloween Trunk or Treat, holiday events, the Mule Creek golf tournament and family day.

Warden Covello was even honored at the Amador West Little League opening ceremony, where he threw the first pitch.

His plans for retirement include returning to Arkansas with his family and spending more time with his grandchildren. He also plans to enjoy outdoor activities like trail riding in his Jeep Rubicon, hunting and teaching his son Greyson how to fish.

Submitted by Lt. J. Vina

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.