CDCR, CCHCS staff across California remember their fallen coworker, Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, in video messages.
San Diego Parole Agent A. Melendez said Byrd was someone who touched a lot of lives, including her own.
“I feel the loss of his presence when I see the flags at half-staff. It’s a reminder he gave his life. It’s very emotional. Somebody who touched my heart, I know, is the reason for that flag being half-staff,” Melendez said.
Video messages for Agent Byrd
Watch the video (story continues below):
Sgt. J. Meza, with RJ Donovan Correctional Facility, said Byrd was simply a decent human being.
“He was just a really good guy and always willing to help,” Meza said.
Staff across the state were shocked by the senseless loss of Agent Byrd.
“You never expect to lose a brother and sister in the line of duty,” said Sgt. C. Huston, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
California Men’s Colony Warden D. Samuel said sadness is felt department wide.
“We all serve the same mission and we all feel the same grief,” he said. “Now, more than ever, we need to be there for each other.”
Correctional Officer A. Vogel, with Central California Women’s Facility, recalls their time together at the Basic Correctional Officer Academy.
“He was a very humble man. Very straight forward,” he said.
To Byrd’s family, many said the same thing: He loved his family.
“I want you to remember his bravery and the love he had for you,” said Valley State Prison Correctional Officer J. Anderson.
San Diego Parole Agent M. Belmares said Byrd’s loss is felt from one end of the state to the other.
“Byrd was a very good guy,” she said. “We’re always going to remember him. We’re always going to remember Agent Byrd.”
Video compiled by the CDCR Office of Public and Employee Communications.
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