Beyond the Badge

SATF hosts second Barbecue Brawl competition

Correctional officer grills chicken during the second Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison (SATF) Barbecue Brawl in Corcoran, California, on Nov. 14, 2025.
A little rain didn't stop SATF staff from putting their best bites on the plate for the second Barbecue Brawl.

The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran (SATF) held their second staff Barbecue Brawl competition.

Despite rain, the Nov. 14 event saw staff from different areas of the institution sign up to compete.

Barbecue-brawling teams were allowed to use any available smoker, flat-top grill, or regular grill to cook their best barbecued meals. Entries were judged on flavor, presentation, and creativity.

While the main courses had to be cooked on-site, side dishes and sauces could be prepared at home.

SATF Barbecue Brawl judging panel.
Judging panel.

The judging panel consisted of SATF Warden Morales, Chief Deputy Warden Jones, and Executive Assistant N. Pendergrass as well as Region III team Capt. J. Farley, Lt. N. Diaz, and Correctional Counselor II T. Clayton. Dishes were presented to the judging panel as blind taste tests.

Second watch Barbecue Brawl winners.
Second watch winners.

Winners for second watch were the returning champs from the Inmate/Ward Labor program led by Correctional Officers J. Arrellano and R. Villareal. Their fall-off-the-bone ribs and shrimp skewers were a hit with the judges.

Barbecue brawl SATF third watch winners.
Third watch winners.

Third watch winners included Facility A Lt. R. Ornelas and Officers M Hyatt, R. Estrada, E. Castro and G. Geels. Their quesadilla smash burgers took home a win.

According to organizers, there were no first watch participants.

Submitted by Lt. K. Cade


Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter).

See more stories highlighting CDCR/CCHCS staff.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter).

Related content

Group photo of Pelican Bay State Prison staff around a classic car.

Pelican Bay hosts annual Employee Appreciation Day

The annual Employee Appreciation Day at Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) in Crescent City brought staff together for camaraderie, competition…

Two people walk along the automotive show at CHCF in Stockton.

CHCF thanks staff through third annual automotive show

The California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton recently hosted its third annual automotive show. This event provides staff with…

Makenna Schroeder wearing regular clothing and two images of her in a bodybuilding competition at South Lake Tahoe.

Meet Makenna Schroeder, OPOS northern testing manager

Makenna Schroeder, a supervisor serving as the northern testing manager for the Office of Peace Officer Selection (OPOS), strengthens CDCR’s…

Parole and CCWF Honor Guard members at the CCWF Women in Law Enforcement Symposium.

CCWF leaders host Women in Law Enforcement Symposium

Leaders from Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla hosted the second Women in Law Enforcement Symposium. Wendy Enos, chief…

Two RJD staff members donating.

RJD staff roll up sleeves to donate blood

RJ Donovan (RJD) Correctional Facility staff members rolled up their sleeves to support the community by donating life-saving blood to…

California Men's Colony booth during Family Day held Aug. 5, 2026, in San Luis Obisipo.

California Men’s Colony hosts staff Family Day

California Men’s Colony (CMC) in San Luis Obispo hosted staff Family Day, offering families a closer look at the institution.…