Governor Newsom honors fallen Correctional Officer Townsend

Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of California State Prison-Corcoran Correctional Officer Jonathan Townsend:

“May Correctional Officer Jonathan Townsend be remembered for his professionalism and selflessness to carry out his duties to protect the people of California. Jennifer and I offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues as they mourn his loss. We are eternally grateful for his years of service to the people of California.”

On Sept. 11, 2025, Officer Townsend succumbed to a medical emergency while on duty at California State Prison-Corcoran.

Officer Townsend, 54, had served in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for 23 years. After graduating from the academy in 2002, he served at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad. A year later, he transferred to CSP-Corcoran.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

In honor of Officer Townsend, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will continue to be flown at half-staff.

“CSP-Corcoran has lost an outstanding member of its family. We extend our most sincere condolences to the Townsend family,” according to the institution. “Please continue to keep the Townsend family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”

Services will be held at 3 p.m., Oct. 11, at Hanford Church of Christ, 1596 W. Grangeville Blvd., in Hanford.

Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.