2025 Medal of Valor ceremony honors 20 staff

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) will honor 20 employees during today’s Medal of Valor Ceremony.

This year’s highest award will be presented to Parole Agent Michael Dilger, whose quick actions at a youth baseball game saved lives.

>> See photos from the ceremony.

CDCR awards its employees for exceptional work that benefits the department and the community. Family members and colleagues will attend the ceremony at Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center (CTC) in Galt.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed from 10 a.m. to noon.

“Today, we celebrate the courageous and selfless acts of our employees who have bravely risked their own safety to help others,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “This tribute honors those among us and those who have left us, inspiring us all to embody their spirit. The Medal of Valor showcases how our coworkers’ commitment to their community transcends their duties and uniforms, inspiring us all. I want to thank them for their dedication and commitment to the State of California.”

Twenty employees throughout the state will be recognized for heroic acts and dedicated public service.

Department marks 174 years of service

After California became a state in September 1850, the Legislature passed a law establishing all county jails would serve as state prisons until a permanent prison could be built.

San Francisco Sheriff Jack Hayes then acquired the Waban and outfitted it as a prison ship. In December 1851, with 40 incarcerated people on board, Hayes sailed to Angel Island and then to Point San Quentin in 1852.

Since the beginning of statehood, the department has helped maintain public safety while encouraging those in our custody to better themselves through education and learning job skills. Employees have also gone above the call, saving lives in the process.

While the department has recognized employees for their bravery since the first Medal of Valor ceremony in 1986, staff have long gone above the call of duty. This year, we continue the four-decade-long tradition and salute our staff for their courageous actions.

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Medal of Valor award

The Medal of Valor, CDCR’s highest award, is presented to employees who display conspicuous bravery or heroism far beyond the normal demands of correctional service. Recipients displayed great courage in the face of immediate life-threatening peril with full knowledge of the risk involved, showed professional judgment and did not jeopardize operations or the lives of others.

Parole Agent Michael Dilger awarded Medal of Valor

Parole Agent Michael Dilger was coaching a youth baseball team in Barstow April 17, 2024, when a large, violent brawl broke out nearby. The fight, involving multiple people armed with pipes and sticks, erupted just 50 to 60 yards from a group of children.

Recognizing the danger, Dilger acted immediately, moving the children to safety. He quickly guided them up a narrow set of stairs and into the dugout. As the situation escalated, gunfire rang out.

While parents, coaches, and children scrambled for safety, he stayed behind to ensure every child was out of harm’s way.

In the chaos, Dilger saw a young child standing frozen in shock in the stands as bullets ricocheted nearby.

Without hesitation, he shielded the child with his own body and moved him to cover. Dilger repeatedly put himself between the danger and the innocent bystanders. At one point, he even returned to the field to protect more children and guide families to safety.

His quick thinking, calm under pressure, and disregard for his own safety prevented what could have been a far greater tragedy. That night, Agent Michael Dilger’s courage and decisive actions safeguarded countless lives.

Watch his video:

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Gold Star Medal

The Gold Star Medal is awarded for heroic deeds under extraordinary circumstances. The employee shall display courage in the face of immediate peril in acting to save the life of another person.

Sandra Mendonca, Correctional Officer, California Medical Facility

Correctional Officer Sandra Mendonca came upon a catastrophic vehicle crash on Oct. 8, 2024, while traveling along Interstate 80.

A car had struck the center divider, leaving a woman trapped, bleeding, and in shock.

Without hesitation, Mendonca stopped, opened the damaged car door, and pulled the woman from the wreckage. She carried her across lanes of traffic to safety, shielding her from further harm.

Amid the danger of oncoming vehicles, she administered tactical first aid, stopping the bleeding and stabilizing the woman’s injuries while keeping her calm and alert.

Even after the immediate danger had passed, Mendonca stayed by the woman’s side, offering reassurance until paramedics arrived. Her quick thinking and selfless actions that day were instrumental in saving a life.

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Alesandro Padilla, Correctional Sergeant, CPOST

While volunteering at Creekside Church in Elk Grove Dec. 16, 2024, coworkers Johnny Huynh and Correctional Sgt. Alesandro Padilla protected a woman facing a dangerous situation.

When the woman told them she was being followed by a man inside the building, Padilla immediately placed himself between her and the man, telling him to stop. The man ignored the commands, struck Padilla, and came toward him while brandishing a chair.

Padilla used his training to force the man to the ground, where Huynh moved in without hesitation. Huynh took control of the suspect’s arm and leg, helping immobilize him as he resisted.

Together, they maintained control until the suspect stopped fighting, and police arrived to take him into custody.

Their swift coordinated actions stopped a violent assault in a crowded public setting. Additional staff provided support after the suspect was restrained, helping ensure the safety of everyone present.

Note: Johnny Huynh was awarded the Silver Star for his actions.

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2025 Silver Star Medal

The Silver Star medal is awarded for acts of bravery under extraordinary or unusual circumstances. The employee shall display courage in the face of potential peril while saving or attempting to save the life of another person or distinguish himself or herself by performing in stressful situations with exceptional tactics or judgement.

Dana Boggs, Correctional Lieutenant, Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center

While driving home on Highway 50 in Folsom last Dec. 12, 2024, Lt. Dana Boggs saw a car swerve through traffic, strike another vehicle, launch up an embankment, and roll.

The car came to rest upside down between a barricade and live lanes of traffic.

Boggs stopped, turned on his emergency lights, and ran to the wreck. He found the driver trapped along with a dog inside. Smoke was also coming from the vehicle.

Boggs directed bystanders to call 911 and watch for traffic, then worked to free the occupants. He took the dog out of the car and moved it to a safer area. Boggs then helped extract the driver from the overturned car and guided him away from the roadway.

He remained on scene, monitoring the driver and securing the area until the first responders arrived. His quick action, calm command presence, and willingness to risk his own safety prevented a bad situation from becoming worse.

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Gilbert Duenas, Correctional Officer, California Medical Facility

Correctional Officer Gilbert Duenas was traveling northbound on Interstate 5 in Sacramento around 2 a.m. Oct. 6, 2024, when he came upon a vehicle accident.

The car had crashed head-on into the concrete center divider. The area was dark, and the vehicle had no emergency lights.

Duenas pulled over, turned on his own emergency lights, and approached the wreck. He used his flashlight to illuminate the scene, warning other drivers and guiding them safely around the damaged vehicle.

He helped the driver move to a safe area and stayed with him until emergency services could respond.

Moments later, another vehicle struck the same divider, coming within feet of hitting the first driver. Duenas quickly returned to help the second driver exit the damaged vehicle, moving him out of harm’s way as well.

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Johnny Huynh, Associate Governmental Program Analyst, CPOST

While volunteering at Creekside Church in Elk Grove Dec. 16, 2024, coworkers Johnny Huynh and Correctional Sgt. Alessandro Padilla protected a woman facing a dangerous situation.

When the woman told them she was being followed by a man inside the building, Padilla immediately placed himself between her and the man, telling him to stop.

The man ignored the commands, struck Padilla, and came toward him while brandishing a chair. Padilla used his training to force the man to the ground, where Huynh moved in without hesitation. Huynh took control of the suspect’s arm and leg, helping immobilize him as he resisted.

Together, they maintained control until the suspect stopped fighting, and police arrived to take him into custody.

Their swift coordinated actions stopped a violent assault in a crowded public setting. Additional staff provided support after the suspect was restrained, helping ensure the safety of everyone present.

Note: Correctional Sgt. Alessandro Padilla received the Gold Star for his actions.

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On New Year’s Day 2024, Lt. Raymond Siorida was driving on Highway 101 when he witnessed a pickup truck lose control, cross multiple lanes of traffic, and collide with another vehicle before overturning.

The truck came to rest on its side, trapping the driver inside.

Siorida immediately stopped and ran to the wreckage.

Despite the danger of leaking fuel and the instability of the overturned truck, he climbed onto the vehicle and pulled the injured driver to safety.

As he did, another vehicle spun out nearby, narrowly missing them.

After securing the driver, Siorida saw another person injured in the crash. He quickly moved to help the victim, stabilizing the individual until emergency responders arrived. His swift, decisive actions prevented further harm and ensured both victims were safely cared for.

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Robert Smalley, Correctional Lieutenant, CSP-Sacramento

Lt. Robert Smalley was off duty attending his niece’s graduation at Sutter Union High School June 7, 2024, when he witnessed a fight break out behind the bleachers involving four individuals.

From his position in the stands, he saw a lone deputy from the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office confronting the group.

Recognizing the deputy was outnumbered and in danger, Smalley immediately responded to assist. As the deputy pursued one of the suspects, Smalley joined the chase and helped subdue the individual.

Using his training and physical strength, Smalley brought the suspect to the ground, secured him in a prone position, and assisted the deputy in applying restraints. Once the suspect was safely in custody, the immediate threat ended.

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Jose Navarro, Correctional Sergeant
James Jones, Office Technician
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran

Colleagues James Jones and Sgt. Jose Navarro were driving to work through dense fog near Lemoore Dec. 4, 2024, when they came upon a head-on collision involving multiple vehicles. One of the vehicles was on fire and several occupants were critically injured.

Jones and Navarro immediately stopped to help. Working alongside an Avenal Police Department officer, they pulled victims from the wreckage, moved them to safety, and provided aid despite the danger of fire, leaking fuel, and near-zero visibility.

Their calm coordination and willingness to put themselves at risk ensured that the injured victims received critical help before emergency responders arrived. Although one victim later succumbed to her injuries, their actions that morning brought others to safety and demonstrated remarkable courage under life-threatening conditions.

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Steve Smith, Plumber II, California Health Care Facility
Ryan Diangson, Plumber II, California Health Care Facility
Jeremy Mcghee, Construction Supervisor II, CSP-Sacramento

Steve Smith, Ryan Diangson, and Jeremy Mcghee were off duty Oct. 12, 2024, working at a residence in West Sacramento when they saw smoke pouring from a nearby home. They quickly realized the house belonged to an elderly woman who was still inside.

Without hesitating, they ran toward the burning home. Smith and Diangson entered the smoke-filled residence, found the woman, and guided her to safety. At the same time, Mcghee worked to ensure the path was clear and safe for their escape. Once outside, they stayed with her, offering comfort and support until emergency personnel arrived.

Their quick action, teamwork, and disregard for their own safety saved the life of a neighbor in grave danger.

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2025 Bronze Star

The Bronze Star is awarded for saving a life without placing oneself in peril. The employee shall have used proper training and tactics in a professional manner to save, or clearly contribute to saving, the life of another person.

Charles Morelock, Correctional Lieutenant, CSP-Corcoran

While driving home in Fresno County Dec. 4, 2024, Lt. Charles Morelock saw flashing lights ahead and then a pickup truck that had crashed into a semi-truck.

The vehicle was heavily damaged, with two young men trapped inside.

Without hesitating, Morelock rushed to help. One victim was pinned inside and unable to move, while the other was bleeding from serious injuries.

Morelock called 911, then worked to control the bleeding and keep both men calm until emergency responders arrived.

He remained on scene, assisting medical staff to stabilize the victims before they were transported to the hospital. His quick action, composure, and readiness to step in during a life-threatening situation made a critical difference for both young men.

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Teng Thao, Correctional Officer
Jor Lee, Correctional Sergeant (now with Sierra Conservation Center)
Central California Women’s Facility

While attending the Sacramento Hmong New Year celebration Dec. 1, 2024, Correctional Officer Teng Thao and Correctional Sgt. Jor Lee helped save a woman’s life. A young girl approached them, pleading for help. Her grandmother had collapsed and was unresponsive.

Thao and Lee didn’t hesitate, rushing to the woman’s side. They quickly assessed her condition, began CPR, and called for emergency medical services. Thao retrieved an Automated External Defibrillator while Lee continued CPR. Working together, they delivered life-saving care, using the AED and maintaining resuscitation efforts until the woman began breathing again.

Their teamwork and decisive actions restored the woman’s breathing before paramedics arrived to take over. She was transported to the hospital, where she survived the incident.

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Adrian Jara Gasca, Correctional Officer, CSP-Corcoran

Correctional Officer Adrian Jara Gasca was attending his son’s sporting event in Tulare County Oct. 10, 2024, when he heard nearby gunshots.

He immediately ran toward the sound, finding four people wounded, three of them with gunshot injuries. The victims included a pregnant woman.

Remaining calm under intense pressure, Gasca quickly assessed the scene. Seeing that the pregnant woman was bleeding heavily from her leg, he removed his belt to use as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. He continued providing aid and reassurance to the victims until emergency responders arrived.

Even after paramedics took over, Gasca stayed on scene to assist medical staff, helping keep the victims stable and calm before they were transported to the hospital. His decisive actions and refusal to hesitate in the face of danger undoubtedly contributed to saving a life.

Robert Gonzales, CALPIA Industrial Warehouse & Distribution Specialist
CSP-Corcoran

Robert Gonzales was driving to work Oct. 23, 2024, when he came upon a crash involving an SUV and a small car near the intersection of 14th and Kansas Avenue in Corcoran.

The SUV driver appeared dazed but uninjured, but the female driver of the small car was trapped, and the vehicle smelled strongly of gasoline.

Gonzales didn’t hesitate and approached the car. The woman’s young daughter was crying in the back seat, pinned by the damaged door. He worked quickly to reassure them both, then helped free the girl from the wreckage.

Once she was safe, he returned to assist the mother until emergency responders arrived.

Gonzales’s swift action, composure, and willingness to intervene in a dangerous situation brought comfort and safety to a mother and child in distress.

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James Wilson, Correctional Counselor, Sierra Conservation Center

Correctional Counselor James Wilson was attending a June 30, 2024, outdoor church service in Sonora when he noticed a man slumped over and unresponsive.

The man, a 97-year-old elder of the congregation, had no pulse and was not breathing.

Wilson quickly took charge. He and another bystander laid the man on the ground, and Wilson began chest compressions.

After several minutes, a pulse returned, and the man began breathing again. Wilson continued to monitor him until paramedics arrived, ensuring he remained stable.

Thanks to Wilson’s swift action, skill, and willingness to step forward without hesitation, the man survived the incident with no signs of heart damage.

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2025 Distinguished Service

The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for an employee’s – or group of employees’ – work conduct with the Department for a period of months or years, or involvement in a specific assignment of unusual benefit to the Department.

Dr. Morgan Elias, Chief of Mental Health, Kern Valley State Prison

Over the past two years, Dr. Morgan Elias has transformed veteran services at Kern Valley State Prison, establishing programs and resources that did not previously exist.

She created and implemented the Veterans Healing Veterans peer mentorship program and specialized therapy groups, while expanding access to critical mental health care for incarcerated veterans.

Her initiatives connected veterans with community organizations, improved access to VA benefits, and addressed barriers to reentry through education, housing support, and specialized treatment.

These efforts have given incarcerated veterans the tools to heal, regain purpose, and successfully reintegrate into society.

Dr. Elias’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment have set a new standard for veteran services in the correctional system, positively impacting countless lives.

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Read more stories of staff going above the call.

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