Awards and Appreciation, Beyond the Badge, Inside CDCR Video

Watch: Valley State Prison hosts staff appreciation

May 8, 2026

Valley State Prison in Chowchilla held an all-staff appreciation event May 7. Prison leadership recognized and honored custody, nurses, teachers and support staff.

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“Today we’re recognizing staff (as) this is Correctional Officers Week, Nurses Week, Public Service Recognition Week (and Teacher Appreciation Week). So today is a day where we get together and we celebrate staff and all their contributions to the institution. (We) show up for them and show them they matter,” said A. Garcia-Cisneros, Chief Nurse Executive.

Acting Warden O. Bailey was busy working the grill.

Valley State Prison leaders with a staff member being honored for her work. — *Chief Nurse Executive A. Garcia-Cisneros and acting Warden O. Bailey presented a plaque to Prospera Balbon.*

“Today I’m putting something special together for them,” he said. “I got some jerk chicken on the grill. I’ve just been out here grilling all morning. We served breakfast this morning to the first watch staff. Came in and cooked fresh burrito for them and fed them right off the grill. Throughout the day, we are feeding second and third watch fresh off the grill. I feel I’m obligated to do this.”

Boosting morale

The Valley State Prison team and leadership gathered in the parking lot to kick off a staff appreciation event May 6, 2026, in Chowchilla, California.

For staff, these events help foster a better working environment.

“It’s important to boost morale with events like this,” said Lt. J. Reyes, the public information officer.

Leadership said it’s all about showing employees their efforts and hard work are appreciated.

Valley State Prison Honor Guard opens the staff appreciation event May 6, 2026, in Chowchilla, California.

“We love celebrating our team. We really embrace wellness for our staff. This is just one element of what we do to recognize our staff,” said Garcia-Cisneros. “For us, as leaders, we are only as good as our team. This day is to celebrate them.”

Valley State Prison staff appreciation in photos

Two staff members smiling during the Valley State Prison event.

A booth at the Valley State Prison event.

Video and photos by Chris Medina, Director (specialist), TV Communications Center
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications

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