Back to Inside CDCR

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

Displays at CMF 70 years celebration.
Displays at CMF with newspaper clippings.
CMF honor guard and others.
Warden at CMF speaks to gathering.

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.

The original staff of Terminal Island's California Medical Facility in 1950. Black and white photo of men wearing ties and jackets.
Original CMF staff at Terminal Island, 1950.
Buildings and ships on a peninsula.
The original California Medical Facility was located at Terminal Island.

Story submitted by Lt. Alisha Toomer

See more awards and appreciation stories.

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

Related content

Staff make cotton candy during a special event at Avenal State Prison.

Avenal State Prison shows staff appreciation

Avenal State Prison recognized and celebrated its dedicated staff with a variety of special appreciation events for an entire week.…

Two staff members prepare snow cones for event attendees at LAC.

LAC hosts staff appreciation week

California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC), dedicated the week of June 15–19 to staff appreciation, honoring their hard work,…

Staff volunteers prepare food at the CTF staff appreciation event.

CTF‑Soledad hosts annual Staff Appreciation Day

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad, in partnership with the CTF Employee Action Committee, recently hosted its annual Staff…

Leadership form Calipatria State Prison prepare food during the Grilling Up Gratitude staff appreciation event.

Grilling Up Gratitude: Calipatria State Prison celebrates staff

Calipatria State Prison hosted Grilling Up Gratitude, a staff appreciation event recognizing their dedication, professionalism and commitment. The July 1…

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…

Read more Awards & Appreciation

Previous Post PVSP recruiters visit community events
Next Post RJD holds first father‑child dance