Week in Review, August 1, 2025: Remembering Agent Byrd

August 1, 2025

In this August 1 Week in Review, we take the time to remember Parole Agent Joshua Byrd.

Memorial service for Parole Agent Joshua Byrd

CDCR leaders, coworkers, law enforcement agencies, and state officials gathered at the memorial service to pay their final respects to fallen Parole Agent Joshua Byrd.

“Parole Agent Joshua Byrd wasn’t just a name in the system. He was a colleague, a protector, a man of God who showed up day after day to do a job that some people don’t understand and wouldn’t have the courage to do,” said Jason Johnson, CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. “July 17, 2025, will be a day I will never forget for the rest of my life.”

Honor Watch with Honor Guard members outside the room with Agent Joshua Byrd at the mortuary.

Known as the Honor Watch, law enforcement partners and CDCR staff are standing vigil with Agent Joshua Byrd until he’s laid to rest.

Explaining the Honor Watch, and the new Honor Guard program for the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), is Arti Parmar, a DAPO administrator and Honor Guard member.

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CDCR, CCHCS staff remember Parole Agent Joshua Byrd

CDCR, CCHCS staff across California remember their fallen coworker, Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, in video messages.

Lean on each other

Dr. Briana Rojas, chief psychologist and associate director with the Office of Employee Wellness, offered a simple message to grieving staff: Lean on each other.

CCWF hosts first Women in Law Enforcement Symposium

The California Central Women’s Facility (CCWF) hosted its first Women in Law Enforcement Symposium in July.

Representatives from 26 agencies across the state came together to network, recruit, and support women in law enforcement. Male and female executives were asked a series of panelist questions wherein they responded with how and what they have done to support women in law enforcement.

In honor of fallen Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, a moment of silence was observed. Each attendee was also gifted a white carnation to honor his memory.

Warden Anissa De La Cruz presented guest speakers with a proclamation certificate from the California Senate acknowledging their years of excellent service in our communities and participation in this event.

The second Women in Law Enforcement Symposium is scheduled for July 31, 2026.

CCWF Women in Law Enforcement Symposium attendees

North Kern State Prison organized a fundraiser to support their local school band at McFarland High School.

Prison staff raised $3,310 to support the high school’s award-winning marching band. The funds will go toward instrument upgrades as it heads into the 2025-26 competition season.

“This donation is going to help us make this desire a reality,” said band director Steven Herrera.

The McFarland High School band program has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, with 80 students expected to participate in the upcoming school year. Last year was the first year Herrera took his marching band on the competition circuit, and the band took home a first-place finish at the Ayala Music in Motion Tournament at Centennial High School.

Prison Warden Kevin Hixon presented the donation to band director Herrera during the conclusion of the school’s summer band camp. The band celebrated the occasion with a performance of “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”