Awards and Appreciation, Unlocking History

CMF celebrates 70 years of public safety

CMF 70 years anniversary celebration with a sergeant and the warden.
During the celebration marking 70 years of public safety at CMF, Sgt. Blake Stephens was also recognized for 40 years of service.

California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville held a celebration to honor the institution’s 70 years of public safety.

The CMF ceremony opened with the national anthem and a prayer by Chaplain Keith Knauff.

Staff and guests perused articles and memorabilia displayed in the front visiting area.

Speakers include acting Warden Sircoya Williams, acting CEO Lori Green, and Assistant Chief of Education Jessica Bowman.

A special recognition certificate was presented to Sgt. Blake Stephens for being the longest tenured employee at CMF. He’s been with the department for 40 years, all of them at CMF.

CMF celebration in photos

Did you know?

CMF began at Terminal Island before relocating to its permanent location in Vacaville in 1955. In 1950, San Quentin transferred the first 65 incarcerated people to Terminal Island. Construction on the Vacaville facility began in 1952. Read the 2016 CMF history story.

Story submitted by Lt. Alisha Toomer

See more awards and appreciation stories.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Related content

Chips and salsa booth at RJD.

RJD celebrates 2026 staff appreciation week

Richard J Donovan (RJD) Correctional Facility celebrated employees with a vintage-themed 2026 staff appreciation week. The vibrant staff celebration ran…

CDCR staff members were recognized at the State Employees Medal of Valor ceremony held June 12, 2026, at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento, California. Group photo of presenters and honorees with the words Above the Call overlaying the bottom of the image.

Governor honors 13 CDCR staff at State Employee Medal of Valor

At the State Employee Medal of Valor ceremony held June 12, there were 13 CDCR staff members honored for their…

SCC Chief Deputy Warden presents Officer of Year Award to Masterson for actions taken late last year to assist a car crash victim.

SCC Officer Masterson named Angels‑Murphys Officer of Year

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) Correctional Officer Masterson was named the Angels-Murphys Rotary Club of California Officer of the Year. The…

Heather Duarte, the Community Resources Manager (CRM) at Calipatria State Prison, earned a CIF award for coaching a local swimming team.

CRM Heather Duarte earns CIF coaching honor

Calipatria State Prison Community Resources Manager (CRM) Heather Duarte has devoted over three decades to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring student-athletes.…

LAC acting fire captain Diaz was honored after saving a child's life while attending his daughter's cheerleading event.

LAC acting Fire Captain Diaz honored for saving child’s life

California State Prison-Los Angeles County (LAC) acting Fire Captain Jose Diaz was honored during a recent ceremony after saving a…

kern Valley State Prison leadership at the Nurses Week 2026 celebration. Shown in the photo are the Warden, CEO, Associate Warden of Health Care Access, the Health Care Access captain, Director of Nursing, and Chief Nurse Executive.

Kern Valley State Prison celebrates Nurses Week 2026

Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) in Delano recently celebrated Nurses Week 2026 with food, fun and entertainment. According to organizers,…