Inside CDCR Video, Obituaries

Watch: CIM Remembrance Memorial honors fallen officers

Warden Mejia speaks during remembrance memorial at CIM in Chino, California, Jan. 9, 2026.
CIM Warden Mejia speaks during the 21st annual Remembrance Memorial honoring fallen Officer Manuel "Manny" Gonzalez and all fallen CIM staff.

Staff gathered at the California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino for the 21st annual Remembrance Memorial honoring Correctional Officer Manuel Gonzalez. The Jan. 9 ceremony also honored all CIM employees who have fallen in the line of duty.

Watch the video (story continues below):

The ceremony stood as a solemn tribute to lives dedicated to service, courage, and duty.

Names were remembered with reverence, reflecting a legacy of sacrifice that continues to shape the institution’s values and purpose. Officer Gonzalez’s service remains a lasting symbol of commitment and professionalism within the CIM community.

CIM doctor Victor Jordan speaks to the gathering at the memorial garden.
Dr. Victor Jordan speaks during the memorial.

Now in its 21st year, the Remembrance Memorial remains a powerful tradition.

Officer Gonzalez was killed in the line of duty at CIM on Jan. 10, 2005.

CIM staff and visitors gather in the memorial garden for the 21st annual remembrance ceremony in honor of Officer Manuel Gonzalez.

This year’s event was held in the memorial gardens in front of Facility D. The memorial ensures CIM’s fallen are never forgotten and their legacy lives on through continued service, unity, and honor.

Story by Lt. Ignacio Vera
Photos and video by Ryan Herrera, TV Specialist

In photos: CIM 21st Remembrance Memorial


Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

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

Related content

CSP‑Sacramento mourns loss of Captain Cory Martincek

California State Prison-Sacramento is mourning the passing of Cory Martincek, a correctional captain who has been with the department for…

Centinela mourns passing of LVN Chima Onyebuizu

Centinela State Prison is mourning the April 10, 2026, passing of Licensed Vocational Nurse Chima Onyebuizu. Onyebuizu began his career…

Brian McCauley, retired correctional officer

Brian McCauley, a retired correctional officer, passed away April 5, 2026. McCauley began his career at with the department in…

Lee Herron, retired correctional lieutenant

Lee Herron, a retired correctional lieutenant from California Health Care Facility, passed away March 25, 2026. Herron began his distinguished…

Lew Little, retired correctional officer

Lew Dwayne Little, a 72-year-old retired correctional officer, passed away suddenly Dec. 17, 2025, according to his family. A celebration…

SATF mourns the passing of Jennifer Medrano

Pharmacy Technician Jennifer Medrano, a valued staff member of the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison (SATF) at Corcoran,…