CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, who served the department for 11 years, was shot July 17 in the line of duty while inside the Oakland Parole Office. Byrd was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. A suspect has been arrested by a team comprising several law enforcement partners.
Byrd, 40, dedicated more than a decade of his life to public service. He began his journey with the CDCR in June 2014 as a cadet at the Basic Correctional Officer Academy. He served honorably as a correctional officer, rising to the rank of correctional sergeant in 2020.
This is the first line-of-duty death in the department since 2018.
Since the state’s parole law was enacted in 1893, this is the first time a parole agent has been killed in the line of duty.
In 2024, he continued his commitment to rehabilitation and public safety by joining the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) as a parole agent assigned to the Oakland Parole Unit. Prior to joining CDCR, Byrd served with distinction in the United States Navy.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis issued the following statement regarding Agent Byrd’s death:
“This is a heartbreaking loss. Agent Byrd served with integrity and courage — and we’re forever grateful. We are keeping his family in our prayers and we join the men and women of CDCR in mourning this tragedy.”
Secretary: ‘Our hearts are heavy’
“Our hearts are heavy as we remember Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, whose bravery and dedication led to his tragic death in the line of duty. We extend our deepest condolences to the law enforcement community, as well as to Agent Byrd’s family and friends,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “Those who violate the law will ultimately face consequences. We are grateful to the law enforcement agencies, for their role in apprehending a suspect.”
Yesterday, Secretary Jeff Macomber also issued the following video to staff:
DAPO director: Byrd was ‘a valued member of our DAPO family’
“Agent Byrd was more than a dedicated public servant, he was a husband, a father, a friend, and a valued member of our DAPO family. He leaves behind his wife and three children. His loss is felt deeply across the Department and the broader law enforcement community,” said Heather Bowlds, DAPO’s acting director. “As we reflect on Agent Byrd’s service, we honor his courage, integrity, and the ultimate sacrifice he made to protect others. We extend our deepest condolences to Agent Byrd’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
California Medical Facility (CMF) mourns loss of former employee
“Byrd was an extremely hardworking man,” said acting Warden Sircoya M. Williams. “He was dedicated to his family and his career. He became involved in all that he could in order to assist the team. Byrd wanted the best for everyone and was always there to assist when needed.”
According to CMF leadership, Byrd was dependable, even tempered, and remained calm regardless of the situation. He was also funny, according to his co-workers.
“He handled himself and others with grace,” said Warden Williams. “Byrd would often talk about his wife and kids, telling funny stories of his life. He was funny without even trying to be. He was truly a pleasure to work with and a great man to know. The CMF family will miss him tremendously and we are sending love and prayers to his family through this difficult time.”
Academy observes moment of silence
During Friday’s graduation of new correctional officers, a moment of silence was observed in honor of Agent Byrd.
According to Capt. Ricardo Jauregui, Byrd graduated the academy a decade earlier when Jauregui was a sergeant.
“I have a lot of staff here who are hurting,” he said.
Resources available to staff
Knowing there will be hard days ahead we encourage you to take care of yourself and others as you grieve. Supportive resources can help immensely and are often available 24/7.
For more information, visit the Office of Employee Wellness on the CDCR website.
For media inquiries, e-mail the Office of Public & Employee Communications.
Stay up to date with CDCR news releases.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.