Western week rolls into RJ Donovan

June 13, 2025

A western-themed week of activities rolled into RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) to show staff appreciation.

Monday kicks off RJ Donovan western appreciation week

Dunk-tank style game at RJD staff appreciation day.

RJD staff appreciation with a person pulling a firehose.

RJD hosted Mosey on in Monday to kick off a western-themed appreciation week. The first day featured a plaza filled with games, prizes and snacks. Three different stations were run by the Armory, Fire, and Healthcare Department. The fire chief and captain led staff in groups of two to a race to gear up, respond to an “incident” donning full 70-pound firefighting turnout gear and hose, and reeling in the 50-pound hose. Armory staff hosted a sharp-shooter contest using Nerf guns and tin cans while healthcare offered freshly made cotton candy, popcorn, and lemonade. Additionally, Nurse Instructor Jay Fletcher got soaked in a dunk tank.

Chili contest Tuesday

Admin team RJD staff appreciation chili cook-off.

Group photo of the ADA chili team during the staff appreciation event at RJD.

RJD continued western-themed staff appreciation days Tuesday by hosting an institution-wide chili cookoff. Teams of eight competed in the morning behind the institution’s cafe. They used no pre-cooked or pre-cut ingredients, preparing fresh chili to serve the judges. All staff were invited to the plaza to participate in judging. Different teams had different tactics to win over their audience including offering drinks, chips, and other condiments to pair with their chili. One team even included a nacho bar and heartburn-relief antacids.

The top three winners were provided a custom engraved RJD Chili Cookoff Winner spatula. Winners included teams from Alpha Facility, ADA Office, and Healthcare.

Full week of activities

RJD hit Wednesday with their biggest staff appreciation day of the week. Western Wednesday gathered all staff on the plaza to enjoy the day with food, drinks, games, live music, and other entertainment. The event began with the presentation of colors completed by Officer O. Rivas, Officer T. Christman, Sgt. W. Amaya, and Sgt. J. Alvarez followed by a San Diego Fire Department bagpiper.

The warden and CEO shared opening words to being the festivities. Live music was provided by DJ Officer F. Labaco, who also provided a digital photo-booth for staff.

Pollo and carne asada tacos were grilled and served by the management team. Refreshments included variety of cold sodas and bottled water. California Correctional Peace Officers Association, California Correctional Supervisors Organization, SEIU, and STARPAL had tables at the event, offering goodies and gifts.

The dunk tank game included eight different staff and management who were soaked if staff hit their targets.

Various activities continued Thursday and Friday.

Story by Jannae Dienla and Lt. Adam Garvey

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