Santos Ortiz, a retired correctional officer with 12 years of service to the department, passed away May 16, 2025.
Ortiz began his distinguished career with the department at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad in August 2005. He remained at CTF until retiring in September 2017.
“During his career, he consistently demonstrated exemplary professionalism, integrity, and compassion, positively impacting everyone he encountered,” according to the institution. “Throughout his tenure, Officer Ortiz was greatly admired for his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of staff and incarcerated individuals alike. His dedication to duty, coupled with his exceptional interpersonal skills, earned him deep respect and lasting friendships among his colleagues and within the community.
“As we grieve the loss of our respected colleague and friend, we ask all staff to join us in keeping Officer Ortiz’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this profoundly difficult time,” the statement continues. “We are grateful for Officer Santos Ortiz’s years of dedicated service and for the profound legacy of integrity, friendship, and compassion that he leaves behind.”
Funeral service details are not yet available.
Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
Jose Rocha, retired correctional officer
Jose Rocha, a retired correctional officer from California State Prison, Sacramento, passed away July 16, 2026. Rocha began his career…
Christopher ‘Jay’ Jordan, retired correctional officer
Christopher ‘Jay’ Jordan, a retired correctional officer from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away July 24, 2026. Jordan started his…
San Quentin mourns passing of Officer Michelle Jones‑Harris
Michelle Jones-Harris, a correctional officer at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away July 21, 2026. Jones-Harris began her career at…
Watch: Agent Byrd memorialized at training center, CMF
Two CDCR memorial ceremonies honored fallen Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, marking one year since his passing. At California Medical Facility…
Ismael Martinez, retired correctional lieutenant
Ismael Martinez, a retired correctional lieutenant from Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, passed away July 14, 2026. He worked…
CMF mourns loss of Melissa Boos, management services tech
Melissa Boos, a management service technician at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville, passed away July 21, 2026. She worked…