CDCR, CCHCS get into Take Your Kids to Work Day

At institutions and divisions across the state, CDCR and CCHCS staff got into Take Your Kids to Work Day. This round-up will be updated as more participating institutions submit their activities.

>> Check out the videos.

Centinela State Prison hosts first Junior Cadet Academy

What started as controlled chaos quickly turned into a well-oiled machine as all hands were on deck, and ready to go. After months of planning and preparation, Take Your Kids to Work Day was finally here. On April 22, staff finished final set up, and the sounds of 200 children began to enter institutional grounds for the first Centinela Junior Cadet Academy.

The cadets were separated into five platoons as company commanders lined them up in column formation. Warden Fidencio N. Guzman called everyone to attention, welcoming the cadets and their families. Then Lt. Ramos, the Junior Academy Commander, took over. He issued the cadets their instructions, set off confetti poppers to mark the academy’s opening, and released the cadets to their first training courses.

“I am really proud of how the event came out. Everyone put in a lot of effort, and it showed,” said Warden Guzman. “Thank you to everyone who helped, and all the cadets who participated. I hope we can continue building off this in the future.”

Centinela offered activities for all age groups

The cadets were provided with instruction followed by hands-on application at six different stations:

• Plastic BBs and Paintball Range / Crisis Response Team demonstrations
• Baton use
• Obstacle course
• Medical – Medical Response and CPR
• Firefighting
• Searching and Investigative Services Unit K-9 demonstrations

“This was so much fun, I loved the cell searching, and the dogs,” said one of the cadets.

Another cadet talked about being inspired to pursue a possible career.

“I liked the medical booth (and) I learned CPR,” the cadet said. “I think I want to be a nurse.”

During breaks between stations, the cadets were allowed to visit other booths throughout the area presented by various departments and local chapter associations.

Junior Academy had lots of support

These included:

• California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) offered drinks and treats
• California Correctional Supervisors Organization (CCSO) offered a 360-degree photo booth, drinks and popcorn
• Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA) offered drinks, snacks, and goodie bags
• Plant Operations and Vector Control displayed various local wildlife
• Medical held a personal protective equipment donning contest
• Dental Department booth offered an oral hygiene demonstration
• Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) offered a bingo game and treats

The cadets completed the courses, participating in various contests at each one. After the academy, top performers were presented with awards and gifts. The day was filled with hard work, as well as non-stop smiles and laughter from the cadets’ parents, who were able to watch as the activities took place.

After cadets completed the courses and devoured a pizza lunch, sponsored by the Centinela Employee Activities Committee, the cadets and staff were rewarded with snow cones sponsored by the local CCPOA chapter.

“I really appreciate the event. It was so much fun watching my kids learn some of the things I do and see where I work,” said one of the parents.

With one last call to order, the cadets were presented with certificates of graduation from the Junior Cadet Academy. They also enjoyed photos with their loved ones before heading home to ponder possible new career choices.

Submitted by Lt. Dustin Loop

CTF-Soledad gets into Bring Your Kids to Work Day

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad, in collaboration with the Employee Action Committee (EAC), hosted its annual Bring Your Kids to Work event in the recently deactivated Facility D. Children of CTF employees were offered a unique glimpse into their parents’ work environment, emphasizing transparency, education, and the importance of community engagement within the corrections field.

The morning began with families signing in and enjoying breakfast. Warden Edward J. Borla greeted the attendees, delivering opening remarks and introductions. He highlighted the significance of family involvement and the valuable opportunity for children to better understand their parents’ critical roles within the correctional institution.

Following breakfast, older children participated in guided tours of the facility. Staff members discussed their work areas, offering personal insights and explanations about their daily responsibilities.

“These tours provided a rare and meaningful chance for children to see firsthand the professionalism and dedication required to maintain safety and security within a prison setting, bridging the gap between their imagination and reality,” said Associate Warden Michael Deverick.

K-9, CRT demonstrations

After lunch, attendees witnessed a K-9 demonstrated the skilled work of the institution’s highly trained K-9 teams. This was followed by a demonstration from the Crisis Response Team (CRT) demonstration, offering families an insightful look into how specialized units swiftly handle emergencies, emphasizing preparedness and teamwork.

Informational and interactive booths set up by the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA), Canteen services, Investigative Services Unit (ISU), and CRT further enhanced the experience, allowing children to learn about various correctional operations through hands-on activities.

One highlight of the event was an exhibition by the joint CTF/Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) Fire Department. Firefighters demonstrated the use of the jaws of life on a vehicle. Children explored the fire engines and donned firefighting protective gear.

Statewide Transportation also offered special guided bus tours around the institution, granting attendees an exclusive look inside a CDCR transportation bus.

The day concluded with the landing of a Medical Evacuation Helicopter at the CTF/SVSP landing pad.

“Welcoming our employees’ families to CTF allows us to showcase the dedication and complexity of our work. It’s important for our community, especially our children, to understand the positive impact their family members have within this facility,” Warden Borla said. “Today, they saw first-hand the commitment and professionalism that defines our daily operations.”

Submitted by Lt. Wil Landrum

Avenal State Prison holds Kids Day

Avenal State Prison (ASP) hosted their seventh annual Kids Day. Staff was invited to sign up their kids for a day of fun. With 120 kids signed up, ASP started the morning off with music from our local DJ and welcoming the kids to participate in sidewalk art and rock painting.

There were tables of games, candy, ice cream, popcorn, snow cones, California wood cut outs to decorate and keychain making. The tables were all set up by Medical, Investigative Services Unit, Badge of Brothers, SEIU, Records Department, Plant Ops, Education, Metal Fab and Accounting. Followed by demonstrations from the Firehouse on how to “stop, drop and roll,” Medical gave insight on their ambulance, and ASP’s K-9 team showed how they search for cell phones.

Each child was able to pick their own Easter basket filled with special gifts and prizes including candy, money, toys and other items. Once the Easter baskets were picked, we moved to some good old-fashioned fun of Easter egg hunting. With over 1,000 eggs spread out, the kids ran wild.

Management staff worked the grill to serve lunch to the kids.

The kids also got a chance to ride in State Transportation bus and were taken to the range for a CRT and Alarm Response demonstration.

To wrap up the day of fun, every kid received a Kids Day challenge coin to commemorate the special day.

Submitted by Lt. E. Lewis

RJ Donovan hosts 28th Bring Your Child to Work Day

Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) hosted its 28th annual Bring Your Child to Work Day on April 24. The institution ended up hosting 210 kids with their families, breaking RJD’s attendance record from last year’s 161 kids. This year set a record for the largest turnout since RJD began hosting the event within the last 28 years.

Chief Deputy Warden Mario Ramirez opened the event with some welcoming words, followed by a large group photo.

The day was filled with collaborative stations and games provided by various RJD departments and programs:

• RJD Resource Team offered a tour of a mock cell and provided a photo op. Children could also take part in tortoise therapy when they could pet and feed the tortoise.
• Crisis Response Team showcased and displayed tactical equipment. Later they engaged children in an activity where they learned how to clear out rooms and de-escalate threats.
• Investigative Services Unit kept children engaged in a water game following a huge and fun water balloon wet zone.
• CCHCS staff hosted several booths with hands-on experiences to learn first-aid. In addition, CCHCS offered prizes, a scavenger hunt, cotton candy, giveaways and a surprise visit from the tooth fairy.
• Demonstration by the K-9 unit.
• Fire Department provided children the opportunity to operate an active fire hose and a fire target with the assistance of RJD Fire Chief Valenzuela.

RJD’s event received plenty of help

Many RJD partners also joined in on the fun. Chik-fil-A brought their cow mascot and provided food samples for everyone. The children enjoyed obstacle bounce houses courtesy of CCSO and CCWA.

Lunch was provided by the California Crime Victims Coalition. In addition, each child received an event t-shirt courtesy of CCPOA and the RJD Resource Team. They also received a certificate to take home as a token to remember the event.

Submitted by Crystal Lopez, Community Resources Manager

SVSP welcomes employees’ children

Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) at Soledad welcomed children of staff members for Take Your Kids to Work Day. Children handled a firehose, participated in a color run and checked out a medical helicopter.

Submitted by SVSP
Video by Bernadette Durley, TV Specialist
Office of Public and Employee Communications

CSP-Solano hosts Bring Your Kids to Work Day

CSP-Solano celebrated their annual Bring Your Kids to Work Day April 25. This year was the largest turn out yet with 87 children participating. The day started with 8 a.m. check-in immediately followed by a meet-and-greet with the warden over breakfast.

The indoors area was set up for the younger children while the outdoor area surrounding the Solano Admin building was an explosion of activities. CRT offered a tactile target course, an ISU interactive search area with a contraband display as well as a K-9 demonstration.

The Solano Armory and IST departments offered activities while Maintenance and Plant Operations put on a building booth, where kids were taught how to put together their choice of projects donated by Lowes and Home Depot. They could build a sandbox, basketball hoop, wooden tractor and others. 

CMF Fire also spoke about fire safety while the Solano Medical team, including the Quality Management Committee, Dental and Nursing, had booths focusing on leading healthy lifestyles.

CALPIA joins the effort

CALPIA was on hand to show the hard work completed in Solano’s Optical lab and Book Bindery. The Education department, CDCR recruitment team, The Delancey Street Foundation, The Solano Fallen Officer Resource fund, California Correctional Supervisors Organization and SEIU provided informational booths and swag as well.

There were multiple games such as cornhole, Giant Connect 4 and Jenga. Even CHP was on site to allow kids to view a CHP cruiser and take a photo in the vehicle.

A bounce house and face painting were also available, with children making good use of both. CSP-Solano’s Pest Control Technician Rozelle and Electrician III King provided DJ services with family friendly playlists.

Children and their parents were also able to tour a CDCR Tower to get a feel for being a Tower Officer. At 11:30 a.m., pizza was offered for lunch. At noon, the party moved to Al Patch Park to meet up with CMF.

DJ Rob Souza, Delancey Street program analyst, spun records and the children got to partake in an obstacle course and watch the medical helicopter. The helicopter crew gave demonstrations on safety rescue techniques. CMF Fire displayed vehicles and a bounce house for the children as well.

Submitted by Lt. J. Guererro

Take Your Kids to Work Day at California Medical Facility

Watch the video (story continues below):

California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville had an eventful Take Your Kids to Work Day. Check-in began at 8 a.m. in the visiting room where everyone enjoyed pastries and breakfast. Acting Warden S.M. Williams greeted the kids and families and then headed inside the institution for a tour.

The kids toured the gym where they were introduced to some of the dogs in the Paws for Life Program. They also played a little game of basketball. Then they toured the Chapel, Dining Hall, Canteen, Library and the deactivated Willis Unit. Since the unit is closed, they were able to do cell searches and view demonstrations put on by ISU and K-9 officers.

After the tour, the group proceeded back to the visiting room where pizza and games were waiting for the kids. They also took part in a prize drawing, winning donations from the community and bicycles from CMF’s Bike Program. The day ended at Al Patch Park where they met up with CSP-Solano.

The park activities included a CRT obstacle course, fire truck activities, CMF nursing staff demonstrations, CCSO booth, State Transportation Bus and CMF Transportation Van tours.

Travis Air Force Base also attended, bringing along a bounce house. Meanwhile, CMF Fire had REACH Air Medical Services come out with a helicopter for the kids to see and take pictures in.

“Everyone had tons of fun and are excited to see what is to come next year,” said organizers.

Submitted by Lt. A. Toomer
Video by Michael Azano, TV Specialist

---

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

See more stories highlighting CDCR/CCHCS staff.

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