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Week in Review: 2026 Medal of Valor

September 18, 2026

In this September 18 special edition of Week in Review, we highlight the 2026 Medal of Valor Ceremony and honorees.

A message from Secretary Jeff Macomber

Today, we recognize extraordinary acts of courage and service as well as the people behind those actions. Every day, correctional officers, parole agents, doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, plant operations staff, support staff and many others play an important role in keeping our institutions, communities and one another safe. To our honorees, thank you for answering the call when others needed you most. To your families, thank you for your support and for the sacrifices you make that allow our employees to do this difficult work.

Medal of Valor Ceremony History

When California became a state in September 1850, the Legislature passed a law establishing all county jails would serve as state prisons until a prison could be built. San Francisco Sheriff Jack Hayes then acquired the Waban and outfitted it as a prison ship. In December 1851, with 40 incarcerated people on board, Hayes sailed to Angel Island and then to Point San Quentin in 1852. Since the beginning of statehood, the department has helped maintain public safety while encouraging those in our custody to better themselves through education and learning job skills. Employees have also gone above the call, saving lives in the process. While the department has recognized employees for their bravery since the first Medal of Valor ceremony in 1986, staff have long gone above the call of duty. This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of CDCR’s Medal of Valor tradition and salute our staff for their courageous actions.

2026 Medal of Valor Honorees

Teng Thao, Correctional Officer
Central California Women’s Facility, Chowchilla

Correctional Officer Teng Thao was heading home Oct. 11, 2025, after working a 16-hour shift at the Chowchilla institution. While merging onto Highway 99, she encountered a truck on the side of the road, its rear in flames. The driver was alone inside the cab, with his head on the steering wheel. Thao immediately pulled her vehicle over a safe distance in front of the burning vehicle.

Thao instructed another person who had pulled over to call 911 before running toward the burning vehicle. She quickly determined the individual in the burning vehicle was the sole occupant. Disoriented, he was reluctant to leave his vehicle.

Thao physically escorted the victim to her vehicle. Soon after, his vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. Thao kept him safe as he continually tried to walk toward the highway into oncoming traffic.

The Central California Women’s Facility fire captain and incarcerated firefighters were the first responders on scene. They immediately began extinguishing the fire and provided emergency medical services to the victim.

Thao’s quick thinking, composure and readiness to step in during a life-threatening situation saved a person’s life. Thao showed similar qualities in December 2024 when she helped save a grandmother’s life at a Sacramento Hmong New Year celebration, for which she was awarded a Bronze Star.

For her life-saving actions, Correctional Officer Teng Thao is awarded the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor.

Marcello Yciano, Parole Agent I
Division of Adult Parole Operations

Portrait and medal for MOV honoree Yciano

On July 17, 2025, while on duty at the Oakland Parole Complex, Parole Agent Marcello Yciano became aware of a rapidly unfolding, life-threatening emergency involving a fellow parole agent.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Agent Yciano acted without hesitation. He directed nearby staff to safety, summoned emergency assistance, and moved toward the emergency to aid his colleague.

Agent Yciano provided immediate medical care to Parole Agent Joshua Byrd while coordinating with responding personnel and communicating information necessary to support the emergency response. Throughout the incident, he remained composed, vigilant, and focused on protecting others, assisting his fellow agent, and helping responding personnel safely manage the scene.

Despite the lifesaving efforts of Agent Yciano and others, Agent Byrd later succumbed to his injuries. Faced with an extraordinary and deeply traumatic event, Agent Yciano demonstrated exceptional courage, decisive leadership, selflessness, and an unwavering devotion to duty. His actions embody the highest ideals of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and reflect great credit upon himself, the Division of Adult Parole Operations, and the State of California.

For his extraordinary courage and service under the most difficult circumstances, Parole Agent Marcello Yciano is awarded the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor.

2026 Gold Star Honorees

Jeffrey Bargstadt, Correctional Sergeant
California Health Care Facility, Stockton

Portrait and medal for MOV Gold Star honoree Bargstadt

Sgt. Jeffrey Bargstadt and his wife, a registered nurse at California Health Care Facility, were on their way to work when they came across a disabled vehicle on northbound Highway 99 near Stockton. The car had hit the center concrete median and remained at an angle, halfway in the fast lane.

After quickly pulling over, Bargstadt ran across the freeway toward the disabled vehicle and pried the door open. The driver said a truck had hit him. As Bargstadt began to pull the driver out, he looked back and saw a vehicle speeding toward them. Bargstadt jumped onto the concrete center median wall. A split-second later, the car slammed into the disabled vehicle. Sgt. Bargstadt watched the driver get ejected. The driver did not survive.

The other vehicle then spun out and sideswiped Bargstadt’s SUV with his wife in the vehicle. After checking on his wife, who was not seriously hurt, Bargstadt then went to check the other car. The driver exhibited signs of being intoxicated. He and a female passenger then ran into the area orchards.

The driver and female passenger who fled the scene were eventually caught, and Bargstadt helped identify them. For his actions, Sgt. Jeffrey Bargstadt is awarded the Gold Star.

Thomas Grady Jr., Correctional Officer/K-9 Unit
K-9 Anna (honorary Gold Star)
Salinas Valley State Prison, Soledad

Gold star honorees, Officer Grady and K-9 Anna (honorary gold star).

Correctional Officer Thomas Grady Jr. was off duty Jan. 20, 2025, driving southbound on State Route 25 in San Benito County. In the vehicle with him was Anna, a Salinas Valley State Prison Facility Support K-9. A car driving northbound suddenly lost control, veering off the highway into a ditch. The vehicle rolled multiple times until it collided with a power pole. The vehicle, severely damaged and emitting smoke and flames from the underside, landed on its side and came to a stop.

Grady immediately stopped his car to render aid and called 911. The vehicle’s occupants, two teenage girls, were conscious but trapped inside. Grady quickly assessed the situation and extricated the driver and passenger through the open sunroof as the vehicle became further engulfed in smoke and flames.

Grady and the two girls relocated a safe distance away. The girls sat in the rear hatch of his vehicle with K-9 Anna, who provided comfort and emotional support while Grady notified their parents and stood by for first responders.

The parents of the teenage girls thanked Grady and K-9 Anna for rescuing their daughters and providing comfort during a traumatic experience.

For his life-saving response and compassion, Thomas Grady Jr. is awarded the Gold Star. His K-9 partner Anna is awarded an honorary Gold Star.

James Kern, RSP Teacher/Education
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, San Diego

Portrait and medal for MOV Gold Star honoree Kern

James Kern and his wife were on vacation in Cozumel, Mexico, swimming in shallow water when they heard a woman yell “help.” The woman was with a man about 150 feet from them and they appeared to be horseplaying, so Kern and his wife continued swimming.

As the woman yelled for help again, she raised the man’s head above water and a big burst of white foam gushed out of his mouth. Kern realized the man was drowning in 20-plus feet deep water and immediately began swimming toward them while his wife went for help.

Kern, a certified deep-water trained lifeguard and open water scuba diver, began towing him in using the back stroke, with the man on his back. As he reached shallow water, others joined in and helped carry the man to the beach.

The man had no pulse and wasn’t breathing. Other guests at the resort, a nurse and EMT, joined in and began CPR while Kern monitored for vitals until an ambulance arrived.

For his quick thinking, skill and commitment to protecting life, James Kern is awarded the Gold Star.

Enrique Medel-Vazquez, Correctional Officer
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran

Portrait and medal for MOV Gold Star honoree Medel-Vazquez

Correctional Officer Enrique Medel-Vazquez was driving home from work Feb. 1, 2025, when he witnessed a head-on collision on Highway 43 near Delano. He was first on the scene. Correctional Officers Jocelin Chavez and Mayra Lopez-Zamorano each arrived soon after.

With both cars on fire, Medel-Vazquez immediately called emergency medical services and extricated one of the drivers, moving him to a safe location. The driver was later identified as a fellow SATF correctional officer. Medel-Vazquez then tried to remove the other driver from his car, but the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. He did not survive.

Medel-Vazquez was able to provide crucial information to medical and law enforcement personnel.

For his quick action, bravery and willingness to intervene while off duty to protect a fellow officer, Medel-Vazquez is awarded the Gold Star.

Vincent Vidaurri, Correctional Officer
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran

Portrait and medal for MOV Gold Star honoree Vidaurri

Correctional Officer Vincent Vidaurri was driving home from work April 24, 2025, when he witnessed a devastating car accident involving three vehicles in Tulare.

The accident occurred when a truck driver drove through a stop sign.

Vidaurri immediately responded, pulling over and instructing another witness to call 911. He then approached the scene of the accident and heard screaming from one of the vehicles. He attempted to rescue an individual trapped inside the burning car, but the vehicle exploded multiple times, preventing him from reaching the person.

Vidaurri then heard screaming coming from a second vehicle stuck in a canal, and saw a person trapped inside. Vidaurri immediately jumped into the water and successfully removed the driver from the vehicle. Emergency services then transported the injured persons to a hospital.

For his selflessness, bravery and decisive action, Correctional Officer Vincent Vidaurri is awarded the Gold Star.

2026 Silver Star Honorees

Azeem Bath, Correctional Health Services Administrator II
California Medical Facility

Portrait and medal for MOV Silver Star honoree Bath

Azeem Bath was on his way to work May 22, 2025, when he witnessed an accident on Interstate 5 in Woodland. Vehicles were slowing down due to traffic, and a pickup truck in front of him braked too late, causing it to collide with the back of another vehicle.

The force of the collision caused the second vehicle to become airborne, and it rolled over several times before coming to a rest on its driver’s side.

Bath immediately pulled over, before the vehicle came to a rest. Without hesitation, he ran toward the vehicle. Inside the car was a female driver, covered in blood and dazed. He called 911.

After determining she was able to move and likely did not have any spinal damage, Bath climbed through the broken sunroof and extracted her from the vehicle. Since smoke was coming from the vehicle and fearing it may catch fire, he moved the driver to a safe distance.

Bath also checked on the pickup truck driver and found him physically OK but emotionally shaken up. Emergency services arrived shortly. Bath remained on scene to give his report to the officers, including sharing his dashcam video of the entire incident.

For his quick action, composure and readiness to step in during a life-threatening situation, Azeem Bath is presented with the Silver Star.

Tyrone Fermon, Correctional Sergeant
Calipatria State Prison

Portrait and medal for MOV Silver Star honoree Fermon

Correctional Sgt. Tyrone Fermon was in the checkout line at a grocery store in Bermuda Dunes April 2, 2025, when he heard a woman scream.

He immediately turned his attention to the direction of the disturbance and saw a man kick a female employee in the leg and spit in her face. Without hesitation, Fermon stepped in, attempting to deescalate the situation by reasoning with him. The man then lunged toward Fermon and tried to strike him in the face. Fermon was able to evade the punch and use physical force to take the male subject to the ground.

Fermon maintained control over the man until other customers assisted. Together, they held the man until Riverside County Sheriff deputies arrived. Fermon maintained his composure as the man threatened to kill him and others. While controlling the subject on the ground, Fermon’s actions undoubtedly prevented further harm, reinforcing the vital role law enforcement officials play whether on duty or off.

For his quick thinking, unwavering bravery and a deep commitment to public safety, Sgt. Tyrone Fermon is awarded the Silver Star.

2026 Bronze Star Honorees

Joseph Amezquita, Correctional Officer
Joseph Masterson, Correctional Officer
Sierra Conservation Center, Jamestown

Portrait and medal for MOV Bronze Star honorees Amezquita and Masterson

Correctional officers Joseph Amezquita and Joseph Masterson were leaving work Sept. 20, 2025, when they encountered a single-vehicle accident on O’Byrnes Ferry Road near Tulloch Lake. The driver and passenger sustained injuries in the crash. Without hesitation, Amezquita placed himself at risk to render aid to the injured occupants.

Masterson retrieved a tourniquet from his load-bearing vest first-aid kit and provided it to Amezquita, who quickly applied lifesaving measures to the driver. Their swift and decisive actions prevented the driver’s injuries from becoming life-threatening.

Immediately afterward, the officers turned their attention to the passenger, conducting a rapid assessment for additional injuries. Although the passenger was determined to have only minor injuries, she was in shock from the violent impact. Both officers remained with her, offering reassurance and calming support until emergency medical services arrived on scene.

By entering the roadway amidst heavy traffic to render aid, their actions demonstrated professionalism and humanity.

For their courage, selflessness and compassion, Correctional Officers Joseph Amezquita and Joseph Masterson are awarded the Bronze Star.

Jocelin Chavez, Correctional Officer
Mayra Lopez-Zamorano, Correctional Officer
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran

Medals for MOV Bronze Star honorees Chavez and Lopez-Zamorano

A head-on collision on Highway 43 near Delano found correctional officers rendering aid. Correctional Officers Jocelin Chavez and Mayra Lopez-Zamorano each arrived soon after the Feb. 1, 2025, accident.

Lopez-Zamorano provided medical aid, identifying injuries and keeping the crash victim conscious through dialogue. Chavez also provided aid and assistance until emergency services arrived. The officers were able to provide crucial information to medical and law enforcement personnel. For their actions, Correctional Officers Jocelin Chavez and Mayra Lopez-Zamorano are awarded the Bronze Star.

Mallory Corter, Correctional Sergeant
CSP-Sacramento

Portrait and medal for MOV Bronze Star honoree Corter

When an incarcerated person attacked correctional officers as they removed him from his cell for a cell search Nov. 1, 2025, Correctional Sgt. Mallory Corter’s immediate actions helped save an officer’s life.

After being secured in restraints, the incarcerated person attacked the officers with an improvised weapon. He struck one officer in the leg and the other officer in the arm. To overcome the violent attack, officers used physical force as well as chemical agents.

Corter responded as the officer with the leg injury was being escorted out of the building in a gurney. She immediately applied direct pressure with her hands to an open wound on his leg. The wound was bleeding profusely, despite the officer having applied a tourniquet. Without Corter’s immediate action, the officer could have lost a limb, or his life.

For her skillful and swift actions, Sgt. Mallory Corter is awarded the Bronze Star.

Esteban Cruz, Correctional Officer
Pleasant Valley State Prison, Coalinga

Portrait and medal for MOV Bronze Star honoree Cruz

Correctional Officer Esteban Cruz was midway through a workout at a Clovis gym June 17, 2025, when he noticed a person hunched over an exercise bike.

Esteban approached the man and assisted him to the floor, when the man went into cardiac arrest. An off-duty nurse was also in the gym and initiated CPR. Cruz immediately called 911 and retrieved the gym’ s Automated External Defibrillator (AED). He used the AED on the man before continuing with CPR until paramedics arrived.

Weeks after the incident, Cruz met the 25-year-old man and his family. He learned the man suffered a widow-maker heart attack requiring four stents. Had it not been for Cruz’s immediate actions, the man’s mother said her son would not be alive today.

For his decisive action and dedication to protecting others, Correctional Officer Esteban Cruz is awarded the Bronze Star.

Orlando Gomez, Correctional Officer
Mule Creek State Prison, Ione

Portrait and medal for MOV Bronze Star honoree Gomez

Following a multi-vehicle accident, Correctional Officer Orlando Gomez stopped and rendered aid to a young female passenger in their vehicle who suffered serious injuries.

He also cut away the rear airbag from the vehicle and directed firefighters to other victims who needed assistance. For these actions, Correctional Officer Orlando Gomez is awarded the Bronze Star.

Josue Hernandez, Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Avenal State Prison

Portrait and medal for MOV Bronze Star honoree Hernandez

Josue Hernandez was driving on Highway 198 in Visalia Dec. 26, 2025, during rainy and wet conditions when he witnessed an SUV veer off the road and roll over.

Hernandez immediately pulled over and helped others safely remove the occupants. He personally brought a 10-year-old child out of the vehicle to safety.

For his swift action and commitment to protecting others, Josue Hernandez is awarded the Bronze Star.

Michael Olmos, Correctional Officer
California Rehabilitation Center, Norco

Portrait and medal for MOV Bronze Star honoree Olmos

Correctional Officer Michael Olmos heard a loud crash in front of his home in San Bernardino around 4 a.m., Sept. 13, 2025. Olmos, his wife and son ran to the front window and saw the aftermath of a head-on collision. They rushed outside to help.

One vehicle was on fire, with a female driver and two passengers inside. In the other vehicle, a male driver was trapped between the steering wheel and his driver seat, with a female passenger also in the car.

Olmos and his son carried the male driver, who had a bone protruding through his leg, out of his vehicle through the driver-side window and placed him on the sidewalk. His wife guided the female passenger, who had two broken arms, to the sidewalk. His wife then stayed with the two occupants until emergency services arrived.

Olmos, his son and neighbors attempted to put out the car fire until firefighters arrived, but unfortunately the female driver was pinned in the car and did not survive.

For his courage and quick response, Correctional Officer Michael Olmos is awarded the Bronze Star.

Sandeep Singh, Correctional Officer
Sierra Conservation Center, Jamestown

Correctional Officer Sandeep “Deep” Singh had just finished a Veterans Day golf tournament in Lincoln last year when he spotted others on the course lifting an overturned golf cart. Two women, one with severe injuries, were next to it.

Singh immediately responded, quickly determining one of the women likely suffered head trauma, the result of the golf cart flipping over and pinning her head between the concrete path and the cart.

The woman had a large gash on the side of her head and was losing a massive amount of blood. Singh and his companions grabbed golf towels and ice from a nearby ice chest, then began to apply pressure to the gaping wound, which eventually slowed the bleeding. He also kept her head and neck stationary until paramedics arrived.

Thanks to Singh’s quick, decisive actions, the woman is expected to fully recover. For his willingness to take the necessary actions when seconds matter, Correctional Officer Deep Singh is awarded the Bronze Star.

Hugo Soto, Correctional Officer/K-9 Unit
Correctional Training Facility, Soledad

Portrait and medal for MOV Bronze Star honoree Soto

In June 2025, Correctional Officer Hugo Soto was at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The beach has a small lagoon close to the boardwalk, where kids were splashing around to avoid the waves.

His companions noticed Soto, still wearing his brand-new Jordans, wading into the middle of the lagoon, which was much deeper than it appeared. Hugo is 6’5″ and the water was up to his waist.

Suddenly, he pulled a 3-or 4-year-old girl out of the water and moved her to safety. He had seen her go underwater and start to struggle. She was so tiny, no one would have noticed her drowning if he hadn’t been there.

For his quick thinking, selflessness and commitment to protecting others, Correctional Officer Hugo Soto is awarded the Bronze Star.

Upward Mobility

Kevin Hixon, appointed Deputy Director, Facility Support, Division of Adult Institutions

In the Media

56 incarcerated women earn job certifications at Chowchilla prison

Fifty-six incarcerated women at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla were recognized for completing job training programs designed to prepare them for employment after their release.

The California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority, or CALCTRA, held a graduation ceremony highlighting programs in optical services, health care facilities maintenance, dental and pre-apprentice work.

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