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Guns and Hoses 2026 honors Parole Agent Byrd

February 6, 2026

CDCR and Division of Adult Parole Agent Honor Guards remember fallen Agent Joshua Byrd during the 2026 Guns and Hoses Pig Bowl football game.

Two years after father, husband and parole agent Joshua Byrd took the field at the Guns and Hoses football game, his family walked across the turf at Heart Health Park in Sacramento in a proud memorial march.

Byrd, tragically killed in the line of duty in 2025, was honored Jan. 31 at the 52nd annual meeting of law enforcement and fire agencies on the gridiron for charity.

Players on the field during Pig Bowl Guns and Hoses 2026.

The Guns and Hoses game brings together local law enforcement, firefighters, and the community in the spirit of unity, teamwork, and friendly competition. This year, law and fire partners throughout the region honored Byrd with a special ceremony before kickoff.

Watch the video (story continues below):

Jessica Byrd takes field to honor husband’s memory

His wife, Jessica Byrd, took the field alongside their children and staff from CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) and California Medical Facility (CMF).

“It was just important for us to be here,” she said. “This game is just near and dear to his heart. He loved football.

Agent Byrd custom-designed cleats. — *Custom cleats gifted to the Byrd family.*

“My family is just grateful for the love and support that we continue to receive from CDCR, from (DAPO) and the whole law enforcement community. They’ve embraced our family in tremendous ways.”

Family of fallen Agent Josha Byrd and teammates at the Guns and Hoses football game in January 2026 in Sacramento, Calif. — *Byrd family and teammates of Byrd during the pregame ceremony.*

The Byrd family received a signed football, helmet and commemorative football cleats during the ceremony. Then they watched the law enforcement team, comprised of 17 CDCR Division of Adult Institution and DAPO employees, battle to a 3-0 loss to the “Fire Dogs.”

But the scene was a lot bigger than score.

Football game with CDCR and parole staff pitted against firefighters and other first responders. — *Correctional Counselor Jace Sloan, California Health Care Facility, quarterback.*

“This is a great event on multiple levels, but it hits a little closer to home this year after the loss of agent Byrd, who played in this exact game two years ago,” DAPO Director Bryan Bishop said. “We are out here to honor him today, honor his family and honor his legacy.”

Honoring Byrd through work and on the field

Correctional Officer Will Jacobson worked alongside Byrd at CMF. He wore Byrd’s jersey while he played on the offensive line. He also nearly led the way to the game-winning score as time expired.

“The biggest thing about Byrd is he was a great family man. He treated everyone like they were family,” Jacobson said. “Just about every officer out here has known someone that lost their life in the line of duty. It really hits different when it happens to someone you know, and it makes today even more special.”

Jacobson’s Warden agreed.

“As the Warden of California Medical Facility where Agent Byrd started his career, I was honored to be invited. I feel it is very important for us to honor him as well as his family,” Sircoya M. Williams added. “He was such a great employee for us, very well liked and very well respected. For me, it’s just an honor to be here to represent CMF and represent him today.”

Guns and Hoses raises vital supports for those in need while strengthening the bonds between first responders and the citizens they serve. Since the inaugural game in 1975, Guns and Hoses has raised over $1.75 million for dozens of local charities.

“Obviously the game is a great opportunity for the community to celebrate the first responders,” Bishop said. “It shows the value that our community places on law enforcement.”

And it shows that the legacy of a father, husband and parole agent who gave the ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Story and photos by Ike Dodson, Supervisor II
Video by Richard Tan, TV Specialist
Office of Public and Employee Communications

In photos: Guns and Hoses 2026

Players struggle for the ball during Guns and Hoses 2026.

Guns and Hoses: A look back

Players on a field for the annual Pig Bowl Guns and Hoses charity football game.

CDCR staff don helmets for charity football game

For one CDCR employee, an upcoming charity football game is a way to honor his late father and carry on a family tradition. Learn more about the Pig Bowl Guns and Hoses game in this story published in 2014. >> Read the story.

Guns and Hoses game recognizes Pine Grove

The annual Guns and Hoses charity football game recognized a Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp crew during a 2019 ceremony. >> Read the story.

Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp crew members prepare to walk out onto the field during the 2019 Guns and Hoses Pig Bowl charity game.

Law enforcement staff, including CDCR employees, play a charity football game.

CDCR staff hit gridiron for charity

While the Super Bowl will have fans glued to their television sets, another game features CDCR staff on the field to raise money for charity. >> Read the 2016 story.

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