Awards and Appreciation, Beyond the Badge, Front page

CDCR institutions show staff appreciation

May 20, 2026

Across California, institutions thanked staff for the hard work and dedication during Correctional Officers, Nurses, Teacher Appreciation and Public Service Recognition Weeks. While other institutions already submitted their staff appreciation events, the following also observed the recognition weeks. This final round-up will be updated as more submissions are received.

CCWF hosts Staff Appreciation Day

Warden De La Cruz at CCWF for the event.

Central California Women’s Facility at Chowchilla held their Staff Appreciation Day. During the May 5 event, staff were treated to a festive well-deserved Cinco De Mayo celebration bringing together employees for an afternoon filled with appreciation, food, music, and fun.

The celebration featured a vibrant fiesta atmosphere with music playing throughout the event as staff gathered to relax and connect. Staff were treated to an impressive spread of traditional and popular Mexican food from tacos to sweet breads and corn in a cup. For beverages, there was also Agua fresca. In addition to food, prizes were also given away, adding excitement and energy to the celebration. This event serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of staff and workplace morale.

Submitted by Lt. A. Vogel

CTF-Soledad serves ice cream to staff

Staff enjoy ice cream at CTF. — *Staff at the Correctional Training Facility at Soledad were treated to ice cream thanks to a collaboration with a local ice cream shop.*

Correctional Training Facility (CTF) staff received a special show of appreciation thanks to an ice cream shop.

The Employee Action Committee (EAC), administration, and Scoops Ice Cream Parlor collaborated to provide complimentary ice cream to staff May 7. The day was a way to acknowledge staff during Nurses, Correctional Officers, Teacher Appreciation and Public Service Recognition Weeks.

Members of the EAC and CTF Administration served ice cream to staff at the Facility C front entrance throughout the afternoon. Employees stopped by during their shifts to enjoy a treat and be recognized for their hard work and dedication.

Scoops Ice Cream Parlor, owned by CTF Lt. Wil Landrum and his family, donated all ice cream for the event.

Located in downtown Monterey, Scoops officially opened their award-winning shop on Nov. 8, 2025.

Landrum said participating in the staff appreciation event was important to him because he understands firsthand the sacrifices correctional employees and public servants make each day.

CTF-Soledad: Staff helping staff

“When the EAC reached out to us about being part of this event, there was no hesitation,” Landrum said. “Working in corrections, you understand the long hours, the missed holidays, and the commitment staff make every day to keep institutions running safely. We wanted to donate the ice cream as a way to simply say thank you. (This is a way to) show appreciation to the people who continue showing up and doing a difficult job. This career also gave me the opportunity and financial stability to start a business for my family. Being able to give back to the staff and institution that helped make that possible means a lot to us.”

Managers serve donated ice cream to staff at the Correctional Training Facility at Soledad, California, in May 2026.

Two staff members smiling while holding ice cream at the Correctional Training Facility-Soledad.

Landrum added that giving back to the community has always been part of the vision for Scoops.

“We’ve been fortunate to receive incredible support from the Monterey community since opening. We believe it’s important to give back whenever we can,” he said. “Whether it’s supporting schools, local events, or staff appreciation efforts like this one, we want Scoops to be known as a business that supports the community around it.”

Acting Warden C. Rojas praised the partnership and recognized Landrum’s efforts inside and outside the institution.

“Lt. Landrum’s willingness to support staff appreciation efforts through his family business reflects the sense of community and teamwork we value at CTF,” Rojas said. “Events like this help recognize the hard work and dedication of our employees. We appreciate the EAC and Scoops Ice Cream Parlor for helping make this event possible.”

Written and submitted by CTF acting Warden C. Rojas

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