Law enforcement and first responders turned out in force to pay their respects to Joshua Byrd, California’s first parole agent killed in the line-of-duty.
While his body was transported July 18 from the Bay Area coroner’s office to the funeral home near Sacramento, first responders lined the streets and overpasses. Meanwhile, on social media, condolences from across the state and beyond were posted in Byrd’s memory. Some came from as far away as Tennessee and Arkansas.
Dr. Briana Rojas, with CDCR’s Office of Employee Wellness, spoke with staff at the funeral home as they waited for Byrd’s procession to arrive.
Watch the video by Richard Tan, CDCR TV Specialist, and Emily Humpal, information officer II (story continues below):
On July 17, Agent Byrd was shot and killed at the Oakland Parole Office. He worked for CDCR for 11 years, the last six months as a parole agent. Before then, he served as a correctional officer and correctional sergeant at California Medical Facility in Vacaville. (Read the original story.)
Tributes pour in from agencies, organizations across California
Auburn Police Department
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd. His passing is a powerful reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day in service to our communities. Our hearts are with Agent Byrd’s family, friends, and the entire California corrections community. We honor his sacrifice and will never forget his dedication to protecting others.”
California Highway Patrol
“The California Highway Patrol mourns the loss of CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Agent Byrd dedicated his life to protecting and serving the people of California with honor, courage, and integrity. During this difficult time, our hearts are with his family, friends, and fellow officers. We will never forget his service or sacrifice.”
Davis Police Department
“Davis PD mourns the loss of CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, who was killed in the line of duty yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all of CDCR during this difficult time.”
Fairfield Police Department
“We mourn alongside the family, friends and coworkers of CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Thank you, Agent Byrd, for the dedication and passion you demonstrated to the community and the profession. Your life and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Fresno Police Department
“We stand in solidarity with CDCR amidst their loss of Agent Joshua Byrd. Please keep his family, friends and the CDCR family in your prayers.”
Hercules Police Department
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, who was tragically killed in the line of duty. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and CDCR brothers and sisters during this devastating time. We stand with you in mourning. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
Escort from hospital to coroner
Inyo County Sheriff’s Office
“We stand with our brothers and sisters at CDCR as they mourn the tragic loss of Parole Agent Joshua Byrd. To the Byrd family, his friends, and his CDCR team — please know you are not alone. The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office stands with you, and we grieve with you. Agent Byrd dedicated his life to serving others, and that commitment will never be forgotten. His loss is felt across the law enforcement community. Thank you, Agent Byrd, for your service and sacrifice. We honor you.”
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office
“Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is deeply saddened by the line of duty death of Parole Agent Joshua Byrd that occurred in Oakland. We extend our sincerest condolences to CDCR as well as to his family, friends, and community. Through thoughts and prayers, we honor Parole Agent Joshua Byrd’s life and memory as he made the ultimate sacrifice. As our law enforcement community mourns his loss, may his legacy inspire us with compassion and bravery.”
Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC)
“We mourn the loss of Parole Agent Joshua Byrd. PORAC stands in solidarity with CDCR, local police, and allied agencies who swiftly apprehended the suspect. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the safety and well-being of all those who protect us.”
Placer County Sheriff’s Office
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, who was killed in the line of duty on July 17 in Oakland. Agent Byrd served with honor and dedication. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire CDCR community during this difficult time. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Placerville Police Department
“The officers and staff of the Placerville Police Department extend our deepest condolences to our brother and sisters of CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd. We honor his memory, and unwavering commitment to public service, and the ultimate sacrifice he made in the line of duty.”
Redding Police Department
“We stand with CDCR as they mourn the loss of their fallen hero. Please take a moment to honor Parole Agent Joshua Byrd. We will never forget his service or his sacrifice.”
Richmond Police Department
“The Richmond Police Department extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, who tragically lost his life while serving in Oakland. Agent Byrd, we will always remember and honor your sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.”
Sacramento County Probation Department
“On behalf of our entire department, we are heartbroken by the loss of CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd. This devastating event serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face each day while protecting others. We extend our deepest condolences to Agent Byrd’s family, friends, and the CDCR community. His dedication, courage, and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
“We are saddened by the loss of CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd. His death is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers face every day to keep our communities safe. Our thoughts are with Agent Byrd’s family, friends, and the entire CDCR community. We will never forget his service and sacrifice.”
San Francisco Police Department
“We stand with CDCR as they mourn the loss of one of their own. A sobering reminder of the dangers our law enforcement community faces every day. May you forever rest in peace, Agent Joshua Byrd. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Solano County Probation Department
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, who was tragically killed in the line of duty. May you rest in peace Agent Byrd, your sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
Soledad Police Department
“We are heartbroken to learn of the loss of Parole Agent Joshua Byrd. From all of us at Soledad PD, we send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire CDCR community. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest easy, Agent Byrd.”
Sutter County Probation Department
“We mourn the tragic loss of Parole Agent Joshua Byrd (who) gave his life in the line of duty while serving in one of the most challenging and often overlooked roles in public safety: community corrections. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues.”
Sutter County District Attorney’s Office
“With heavy hearts, the Sutter County District Attorney’s Office extends their deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, who was tragically killed in the line of duty.”
Tulare County Probation
“Tulare County Probation is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of California Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, who was killed in the line of duty. Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones and the team as they grieve his loss. This tragic loss is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who serve and the profound courage they display every single day. We honor the life, service and commitment Agent Byrd displayed protecting others. We’re standing with our partners throughout California during this difficult time.”
Condolences beyond California
American Probation and Parole Association
“Agent Joshua Byrd was known for his integrity, sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to family and community. His loss is felt deeply — not just by his loved ones, but across the law enforcement community. (The association) sends strength to his family and coworkers as they process and grieve this tragic loss. Rest in peace, Agent Joshua Byrd.”
Arkansas Department of Corrections
“Our hearts go out to CDCR and the family, friends and colleagues of Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd during this difficult time.”
Federal Bureau of Investigation
“Rest in peace, Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd. The FBI sends our prayers and condolences to his family, friends, and the colleagues he leaves behind and will offer our full support,” writes Kash Patel, FBI Director.
Minnesota Association of County Probation Officers
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Joshua Byrd, a dedicated corrections professional who served with heart and integrity. His loss reminds us of the daily challenges and risks faced by those in our field. Let this be a moment to pause and check in with one another—prioritize your safety, support your team, and take care of yourselves and each other.”
New Hampshire Department of Corrections
“The New Hampshire Department of Corrections extends our heartfelt condolences to CDCR following the tragic, in-the-line-of-duty death of Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd. Agent Byrd served with courage and dedication, and his loss is deeply felt across our corrections family. Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Sevierville Police Department, Tennessee
“Please keep Agent Byrd, his family, and the members of CDCR in your thoughts and prayers.”
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Photos by Richard Tan, TV Specialist (unless otherwise noted)
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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