Beyond the Badge, Community Involvement, Featured Stories, Sports in CDCR

OCS special agent rides to honor Agent Byrd

February 23, 2026

Hundreds of law enforcement officers take part in the annual Police Unity Tour. This year, an OCS special agent is riding to honor Parole Agent Joshua Byrd.

For CDCR Special Agent Albert Franco, an upcoming cycling ride holds special meaning: honoring the memory of Parole Agent Joshua Byrd.

Byrd as a member of the CMF honor guard. — Joshua Byrd

As a show of unity, law enforcement officers from across the country will converge on Washington, D.C., during National Police Week, May 11-16.

There are multiple events scheduled at the nation’s capital, including a 300-mile cycling event called the Police Unity Tour. Learn more about the various events on the organization’s website.

Franco, a special agent with CDCR’s Office of Correctional Safety (OCS), is also seeking donations for the ride through his profile on the NorCal Police Unity Tour site. All funds raised beyond the individual goal (which covers expenses), go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Inside CDCR caught up with Franco to talk about the upcoming ride.

Q&A with Special Agent Albert Franco

Riders celebrate completing the 300-mile, four-day Police Unity Tour cycling ride in honor of National Police Week in mid-May.

What is the Police Unity Tour?
The Police Unity Tour is a four-day, 300-mile cycling event that brings law enforcement officers and survivors of fallen officers from across the country together to ride to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C., during National Police Week.

How long have you been with CDCR?
I have been a special agent with CDCR’s Office of Correctional Safety since 2019. Prior to my employment with CDCR, I was a detective and patrol officer with the Elk Grove Police Department.

Riders in front of the US Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Why are you riding and why it is important to you?
I am participating to honor all law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. This ride is my personal dedication to CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd. After Josh’s death, CDCR focused on supporting his family.

The department helped ensure the family felt safe and supported during a very difficult time. That connection has stayed with me and continues to motivate my involvement in the Police Unity Tour.

This ride is my way of showing continued support to the Byrd family while they are attending Police Week. Also, the ride shows support for those standing with other families who have lost a loved one in service. It’s important to me that their sacrifice is never forgotten.

Police Unity Tour motto: ‘We ride for those who died’

A grieving person hugs one of the Police Unity Tour riders in Washington, D.C.

Have you done this ride before?
Yes, I previously completed the ride in 2011 and 2012 while serving with Elk Grove. Riding in the Police Unity Tour as a CDCR employee adds deeper meaning and reinforces that, regardless of agency, we are all one law enforcement family honoring the fallen.

Riders take part in the Police Unity Tour, a four-day 300-mile ride to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Are you a regular rider?
I am not a year-round cyclist. I train specifically for the Police Unity Tour, focusing on endurance and the not-so-glamorous task of saddle conditioning.

What are your favorite areas to train?
I mainly train on the American River Trail in Sacramento but make it a point to venture outside of the area to train on hills and other types of terrain.

Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Police Unity Tour photos are used courtesy of ride organizers

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