Awards and Appreciation, Beyond the Badge

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

Appreciation shown to staff at KVSP

CDCR officers with CCPOA at the KVSP staff appreciation event in Delano, California. — *CCPOA KVSP Correctional Officers G. Russel, H. Carrillo and J. Aguirre.*

Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) in Delano recently hosted a staff appreciation event featuring food, vendors and opportunity drawings for all staff.

Staff appreciation event at KVSP with first watch staff. — *First watch staff line up for breakfast at KVSP.*

The event started bright and early with breakfast burritos for first watch staff.

Setting up during the staff event at KVSP. — *CCPOA team with Correctional Officers T. Robinson, D. Conley and D. Sheldon organize the food for delivery.*

The day continued with executive staff and California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) staff cooking and serving Philly cheesesteak sandwiches for second and third watch.

Executive staff prepare to serve staff during the appreciation event at KVSP. — *Executive staff, from left, are Associate Warden (AW) Custer, Capt. Acebedo, AW Nuckles, Lt. Hernandez, and Officer Robinson prepare to serve staff.*

“A big shoutout to CCPOA for organizing the week,” said prison officials. “(They organized) the event honoring peace officers, nurses, educational staff, skilled trades staff and all the classifications that support the KVSP mission.”

Submitted by Lt. J. Hernandez

Breakfast, lunch served to LAC staff

Managers and staff cook 300 pounds of meat for breakfast burritos for staff as they get off first watch at CSP-Los Angeles County.

Managers and the Employee Association prepare 200 breakfast burritos for staff getting off first watch at CSP-Los Angeles County, May 13, 2026.

Managers and the Employee Association got together May 13 at California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC) to serve breakfast to those just getting off first watch. They cooked 200 breakfast burritos using over 420 eggs, 30 pounds of meat, three pounds of cheese and 200 tortillas. Additionally, the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union came out and provided tacos as a thank you to all staff during lunch.

Submitted by Lt. C. Coupland

CSP-Sacramento shows staff appreciation

Packing food to give to staff at CSP-Sacramento.

Serving food during staff appreciation at CSP-Sacramento.

California State Prison-Sacramento hosted a series of activities to show appreciation to staff across all shifts.

Honoring Correctional Officers, Nurses, Teachers and Public Service Recognition Weeks, staff on all watches were treated to breakfast and lunch.

Management fired up the grills to serve pancakes and eggs to first and second watch staff as well as burgers to third watch staff, giving staff an opportunity to enjoy food and camaraderie during their shifts.

To celebrate Teacher and Correctional Officer Appreciation Week, CSP-Sacramento offered giveaways including gift cards, lottery tickets, movie passes, grilling items and San Francisco Giants tickets.

The food and prizes reflect the institution’s gratitude for the men and women who work tirelessly each day to maintain the safety and security of CDCR facilities while supporting rehabilitation efforts and public service.

Submitted by Lt. B. Schroeder

Solano celebrates staff

Staff members wear Hawaiian leis at CSP-Solano.

Group wearing Hawaiian shirts and leis at CSP-Solano.

CSP-Solano staff proudly came together to celebrate National Correctional Officers, Nurses, Teachers, and Public Service Recognition Weeks May 4-8.

The events honored the dedicated professionals whose commitment, service, and teamwork help make the institution safe, supportive, and successful each day.

Staff selfie showing them enjoying event at Solano.

Warden and CEO at CSP-Solano in Vacaville, California.

Throughout the week, staff participated in a series of themed events fostering camaraderie, morale, and appreciation across all departments and watches.

The celebration kicked off Monday with a fun-filled Star Wars “May the 4th Be with You” theme. Staff embraced the spirit of the day by wearing their favorite Star Wars-themed shirts, patches, and pins, bringing excitement and creativity to the workplace.

People wearing Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears at CSP-Solano for Disney day.

On Tuesday, staff showed off their Disney spirit during Disney Day, wearing shirts, pins, and patches representing their favorite Disney movies and beloved characters. The day brought smiles and nostalgia as employees shared memories of classic films and animated favorites.

People wearing Disney shirts and hats at CSP-Solano.

Wednesday featured Pink Day where staff proudly wore pink shirts and incorporated pink patches into their uniforms in a show of unity and support. The vibrant display added color and positivity throughout the institution. The Education Department also had a large nacho bar lunch for teachers.

Sports jerseys at CSP-Solano for staff appreciation day.

On Thursday, employees showcased their team pride during Sports Team Day. Staff represented their favorite teams by wearing jerseys, hats, shirts, patches, and pins, creating friendly conversations and spirited support for teams from across the country.

The week concluded Friday with a festive Luau-themed celebration with staff arriving in Hawaiian shirts and leis to wrap up the week in island style.

Solano: Pancakes, burgers, ‘dogs

To further show appreciation for staff, administration prepared a special pancake breakfast for first watch employees Friday morning. Staff on second and third watch enjoyed a barbecue featuring hamburgers and hot dogs. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Solano DJs Rozelle Joyner and John King kept the energy high by playing hits throughout the event.

In addition to the themed activities and meals, drawings were held throughout the week, featuring prizes generously donated by local businesses. Their donations highlight the strong support and partnership between the institution and surrounding community.

The week served as an opportunity to celebrate the hard work, professionalism, and dedication of correctional officers, nurses, teachers, and all public service staff. Their unwavering commitment continues to make a meaningful impact every day, and this week provided a well-deserved moment to recognize and appreciate their service.

“Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the week a memorable success,” said organizers.

Submitted by Lt. J. Guerrero

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