Awards and Appreciation, Beyond the Badge

San Quentin Business Services show staff appreciation

September 19, 2025

A special staff appreciation barbecue was recently held at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center for the Business Services team.

The Sept. 4 event found Associate Warden of Business Services Eric Patao working the grill and personally thanking employees for their hard work during the year.

Working the barbecue grill at San Quentin for staff appreciation day.

San Quentin staff, two men and two women, smile for the camera.

“From Food Services finding creative ways to prepare meals, to Plant Operations answering calls day and night for repairs, to Records ensuring accurate releases, and most importantly to our Personnel team ensuring paychecks are processed correctly. Business Services is the department that keeps this institution running,” Patao said. “They are truly the glue holding the institution together.”

Patao said showing staff appreciation is important, boosting overall morale.

“As a supervisor and manager, staff appreciation has always been one of my top priorities. I proposed an end-of-summer barbecue to my managers and secured their support. Our team leaders stepped up to help make it happen without hesitation.”

The successful event saw staff enjoying a sunny day by the bay sharing in fellowship and appreciation from leadership.

“Seeing everyone’s smiling faces and feeling their appreciation made this a memorable occasion,” Patao said. “I hope to make this an annual tradition for the Business Services team for many years to come.”

Submitted by Lt. Guim’Mara Berry