Beyond the Badge, CDCR Weekender, Inside CDCR Video

After 47 years, John Bennett retires from CIM

January 31, 2025

In 1977, John “Cowboy” Bennett became a correctional officer at California Institution for Men (CIM) but after 47 years, he has retired. To mark the occasion, Bennett got in the saddle one last time, riding out of CIM on horseback.

Bennett: Dedication to public safety over 47 years

John Bennett as a correctional officer in his early years wearing his uniform. — Bennett, right, was a SERT member in the early years.

Three men wearing SERT hats in the late 1970s. — Bennett, right, was a SERT member in the early years.

While there was no department academy in the 1970s, training was held at the Criminal Justice Training Center in Modesto. Basic correctional officer cadets attended training alongside law enforcement students from other agencies, including sheriff’s deputies.

While he started as a correctional officer, he promoted to sergeant 10 years later in 1987. Bennett remained at the institution his entire career.

He served on the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), trained staff as a range master, earned a silver star and watched CIM and the department transform over the years.

He said his favorite position was on the field crop crew. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the institution didn’t have fences or walls so they would do perimeter checks on horseback. It made him feel like a cowboy, a cowboy sworn to protect and serve the community.

“I would provide perimeter checks on horseback and repair outer fences, which basically kept all the animals on grounds. The job was great (because) it was basically like being a cowboy for the day,” Bennett told Inside CDCR in 2017. “I would report to work and saddle up one of two horses at CIM, Babe or Keno, and provide security and maintenance on the farm.”

When asked about retiring, he had this to say in 2017:

“My mind tells me I can work forever, but my body sometimes tells me different. The bottom line is this has been a very rewarding career for me,” he said. “I enjoy the people I work with, and my family is here. My son is now a correctional sergeant in the department (and) my daughter works in personnel.”

Even as he prepared for retirement, those early years are full of special memories.

“I have always taken pride in this career and served with honor and selfless service,” Bennett said. “We as peace officers are always working, days, nights (and) holidays. So, I always have considered CIM my family. It pains me to leave, but I am old now. I can’t keep up with these youngsters, and everything has changed so much, it’s time to ride off this town.”

Bennett was known for taking part in CIM events. From providing his recreational vehicle (RV) to CIM’s trunk-or-treat, to cooking for staff and being Santa Claus at Christmas charity events, he was always ready to help.

He praised his wife Annie for her sacrifices and putting up with him while also thanking his CIM/CDCR family, past and present.

When he was asked about retirement in the past, he said he had no solid plans. Now, Bennett said he plans to drive his RV everywhere with his wife and spend time with his grandchildren.

In 2019, Inside CDCR caught up with John Bennett to discuss his long career with the department. Revisit this video: