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Cadet follows late husband’s CDCR career path

January 16, 2025

Nancy Castro is assigned to work in the same institution where her late husband worked.

Editor’s note: Before the recent Basic Correctional Officer Academy graduation, Inside CDCR caught up with a cadet to discuss her choice to follow her late husband’s career.

After Nancy Castro’s correctional lieutenant husband passed away, she decided to follow his CDCR career path.

She left a 20-year career in banking to become a correctional officer, graduating in early January. Castro said she needed to do something to provide for her family and corrections seemed to be the answer.

Watch the video by Richard Tan, CDCR TV Specialist (story continues below):

Aside from her husband, other family members have also worked for the department.

“My uncle, he retired after 30 years (with CDCR), and he pushed me,” she said. “When I was doubting myself and worried I wouldn’t (make it at the academy), he told me, ‘You can do it. You can do this. Nancy, you can do it.’ He encouraged me to stay. He did it and now he’s enjoying his retirement.”

Cadet overcomes emotional, physical obstacles

Group of CDCR cadets, including Nancy Castro, at the academy. — Castro with other cadets at the graduation ceremony in early January.

“It was challenging for me. I’m from down south (and) Galt is about nine hours away,” she said.

It was also the first time she had left her kids for such an extended time.

“I stayed at the academy during the 13 weeks and drove down on the weekends to see my kids, even if it was one day,” she said.

According to Castro, the support she received at the academy was invaluable.

“My roommate (and other cadets) gave me a lot of support,” she said. “For tests, we would study together so we could all pass together and be where we are today, to graduate.”

Despite failing her original physical fitness training test by only two seconds, she didn’t give up.

“Our sergeants worked with us (so) I was able to pass it the second time,” she recalled. “I enjoyed the training we get, learning from the scenarios, and getting to know your colleagues and becoming family.”

Grieving loss while moving ahead

Cadets at the graduation. — Family support helped get her through the academy, and the loss of her husband.

“His passing was an accident. He was part of the crisis response team, was in the Marines, and enjoyed working out and being outdoors,” she said. “(He went) on a ride with a friend (and) passed away in a motorcycle accident.”

She said she had reasons to carry on, mainly her children.

“After his passing, my strength was my faith, my children, and my family. I knew I had to do something. My kids were my motivation to continue life,” she said. “I couldn’t stay in that moment (of grief). He would want me to take care of our kids (but) I’m still going through it. I have a lot of support, (allowing) me to be where I am right now.”

She said retirement and benefits were main factors in her decision to join CDCR.

Carrying on the tradition

Cadet Nancy Castro receives a hug from her daughter. — Family support helped get her through the academy, and the loss of her husband.

Three new correctional officers, including Nancy Castro. — Family support helped get her through the academy, and the loss of her husband.

After getting out of the Marine Corps, her husband applied for CDCR, joining in 2006.

“He loved law enforcement. After joining, he was able to move around, promote, and move up the ladder. He was an officer, then a sergeant, and then a lieutenant.”

Castro said she plans to do the same but at first, her children weren’t immediately on board with the new career.

“(My kids) were around law enforcement growing up and at first they were worried about me working inside a prison,” she recalled. “My family was hesitant because I left a job (I held) for so long. (Now,) my family is so proud of me. They all drove 10 hours to be here (for the graduation).”

After graduation, she was assigned to the same institution where he worked: Calipatria State Prison.

“It will be an honor to walk through those halls where he worked. He was part of that institution and was able to make a difference in so many lives,” Castro said. “Knowing I’m going to work where he worked, is amazing.”

Interested Correctional Officer applicants can apply online at JoinCDCR.com.

Video by Richard Tan, TV Specialist
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications

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