Beyond the Badge, Sports in CDCR

CDCR wins gold at Police, Fire Championships

Team San Quentin, with CDCR staff players from three institutions, wear their gold medals they won at the US Police and Fire Championships held in San Diego.
Team San Quentin took home gold at the 2025 US Police and Fire Championships in San Diego. From left are Chauncey Weston, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQ); Alex Samuel, Richard J. Donovan; Marcus Carter, SQ; Marche Manning, SQ; John Edmond, SQ; Asim Mahmood, SQ; and David Garcia, California State Prison-Solano.

CDCR correctional staff earned gold medals at the 2025 US Police and Fire Championships 3×3 basketball tournament. The event was held June 7 at Balboa Park Municipal Gymnasium in San Diego.

Staff represent across institutions

Team San Quentin included correctional professionals from three CDCR institutions. The team competed in a three-game playoff against law enforcement agencies from San Diego, Sacramento, and San Jose.

Game results

  • First round: San Quentin defeated San Diego Sheriffs, 61 to 33
  • Second round: San Quentin defeated Sacramento Sheriffs in overtime, 76 to 71
  • Championship game: San Quentin defeated San Jose Police Department in overtime, 64 to 60.

Team San Quentin CDCR players

  • Marcus Carter, acting correctional counselor, San Quentin Rehabilitation Cener
  • Marche Manning, correctional officer, San Quentin Rehabilitation Cener
  • Asim Mahmood, correctional officer, San Quentin Rehabilitation Cener
  • John Edmond, correctional officer, San Quentin Rehabilitation Cener
  • Chauncey Weston, correctional officer, San Quentin Rehabilitation Cener
  • David Garcia, correctional officer, California State Prison-Solano
  • Alex Samuel, correctional officer, Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility

What are the United States Police and Fire Championships?

The championships are a national, multi-sport event held annually in San Diego. It is open to active and retired law enforcement, firefighters, corrections, and other public safety professionals. Participants compete in more than 35 sports, including basketball, track and field, weightlifting, swimming, and more. The event is designed to promote physical fitness, build camaraderie among public safety personnel, and honor the work of first responders.

CDCR staff highlight teamwork

Correctional Officer David Garcia, of California State Prison-Solano, said it was an amazing experience.

“Winning gold was a proud moment, but what really stood out was how we had each other’s backs from start to finish,” Garcia said. “No egos, no excuses. Just teamwork, trust, and a shared goal. That is what got us to the top.”

Story submitted by Deputy Chief David Maldonado
Strategic Communications and External Affairs
Office of Public and Employee Communications

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