Weekender Digest: Honoring first responders

February 7, 2025

In this Weekender Digest, we look at a concert honoring first responders and a run honoring the memory of a police officer. Catch up on recently published stories in this digest.

Unlocking History

Three leaders from CDCR for Black History Month. — Staff through the years: Walter Gordon, who served on the Board of Prison Terms, left; Warden Teena Farmon, center; and Ruth Rushen, the first African American director and first woman of the department.

Black History Month honors contributions

From correctional officers to prison leadership, the contributions of Black staff are numerous. The following tales are only a small sample. Read the full story on Inside CDCR.

Community Involvement

Photos of fallen police officer Wingate. — Fallen Police Officer Wingate was honored during the annual memorial run and walk.

SQ staff honor fallen police officer’s memory

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQ) staff honored a fallen police officer’s memory by taking part in an annual memorial run. “Today’s event reminded me of the hard work and dedication we all put forward to represent. It is an honor to do this as a reminder of those who have fallen in the line of duty. I’m proud of their hard work,” said Correctional Officer B. Cook. Read the story.

Community benefit from PVSP staff to Coalinga Chamber of Commerce with bikes and skateboard decks. — From left are Capt. Stephanie Gee, Coalinga Chamber of Commerce’s Charles Yeaden, Community Resource Manager Justin Nugent, Warden (A) Steve Smith, and Associate Warden Ryan Anderson with donated bikes and painted skateboard decks to benefit the community.

PVSP donates bikes, skateboards to community

Incarcerated persons at Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) contributed refurbished bikes and painted skateboard decks to benefit the community. Read the full story.

Beyond the Badge

John Bennett with the CIM log in the lobby.

Bennett retires after 47 years

“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,” said Sgt. John “Cowboy” Bennett. Read the story.

Firefighters and Camps

Jelly Roll holds first responders’ appreciation concert

A Concert for All First Responders, featuring Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Jelly Roll, was organized to honor those who fought fires and protected Los Angeles. In partnership with Live Nation, the concert was held Feb. 1 at Rose Bowl Stadium. Nearly 16,000 emergency personnel joined over 184 incarcerated fire crew members from conservation camps across California. Read the full story.

Royal Ramey wears a uniform while sitting across a desk from Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.

Daily Show: Ramey talks fire program

On The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Royal Ramey discussed his time on an incarcerated fire crew and how he’s now helping others. Ramey is the CEO of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program. Read the story on Inside CDCR or watch the video on YouTube (note: video contains profanity).

Journey of redemption: Meet Lawrence Walker

Lawrence Walker, a CAL FIRE firefighter, got his start as an incarcerated crew member at Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown. Read the story.

Rehabilitation

Murals brighten CSP‑Los Angeles County

Murals at California State Prison, Los Angeles County, are brightening the environment for those who live and work in the institution. “At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. Trying to change the culture (of) prison,” said Maurice Williams, incarcerated mural artist. Read the full story.

OMCP mentors at the graduation at California State Prison, Corcoran.

An incarcerated person holds an OMCP certificate at his graduation at Corcoran prison.

Corcoran hosts second OMCP graduation

California State Prison, Corcoran, held its second graduation ceremony for the Occupational Mentor Certification Program (OMCP) Jan. 16. “They have taken responsibility for their past actions but have also shown too that is there is an opportunity to redeem those past actions,” organizers said. “(This is) an opportunity to transform themselves and in the process transforming lives around them. These individuals are now equipped with the tools to be positive influences in their communities and within society.” Read the story on Inside CDCR.

Hug for a loved one as after 55 incarcerated students accepted education degrees and diplomas at CIM.

55 graduate CIM education programs

California Institution for Men (CIM) staff and guests saw 55 students graduate education programs. Families, friends, and community partners attended the late-December ceremony. Warden Travis Pennington congratulated the graduates and welcomed guests. “I’m proud of you,” he said. Read the full story.