CCI‑Tehachapi holds third promotion ceremony

April 29, 2026

Acting Chief Deputy Warden Nate Welch congratulates a staff member during the promotion ceremony at CCI-Tehachapi.

California Correctional Institution (CCI) in Tehachapi hosted its third promotion ceremony on Friday, April 17.

The ceremony honored 13 promoted employees:

one associate warden
seven sergeants
one correctional counselor
mental health staff
and personnel staff.

Each employee received a promotion gift from the Employees Association and their collar insignia if applicable.

CCI-Tehachapi Honor Guard at third promotion ceremony in April 2026.

The promoted employees were joined by family and friends, surrounded by peers.

Administrative Assistant/Public Information Officer Lt. Tommy Harrison, acting Chief Deputy Warden Nate Welch, and acting Warden Tommy Valdez each gave congratulatory speeches.

“CCI would like to thank the Honor Guard and Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment Counselor Carolyn Ewing for the presentation of the flags and singing the national anthem,” according to organizers.

Acting Warden Valdez speaks from a lectern. — *Acting Warden Valdez speaks to families and friends of those being recognized for their recent promotions.*

“Families, please embrace our employees on their new journey, and be their anchor and give them the encouragement to push through the inevitable hard days,” said Warden Valdez. “We are all responsible for their mental health and wish to share them with you for years to come.”

Submitted by Lt. T. Harrison