CDCR, CCHCS staff gather for 40th Medal of Valor

September 23, 2026

CDCR and CCHCS staff gathered at the academy in Galt for the 40th annual Medal of Valor Ceremony. The Sept. 18 ceremony recognized 20 staff for acts of bravery, heroism and going above the call of duty.

The ceremony culminated with two Medal of Valor honorees: Parole Agent Marcello Yciano and Correctional Officer Teng Thao.

Parole Agent Marcello Yciano

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 in July 2025.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Yciano acted without hesitation, directing nearby staff to safety, summoning emergency assistance, and moving toward the emergency to aid his colleague.

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 while 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, Yciano demonstrated exceptional courage, decisive leadership, selflessness, and an unwavering devotion to duty. His actions embody the highest ideals of CDCR 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, Yciano received CDCR’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor.

Teng Thao, Correctional Officer

Correctional Officer Teng Thao was heading home Oct. 11, 2025, after a 16-hour shift at Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. While merging onto the highway, she spotted 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 over, instructed someone else to call 911 and then ran toward the burning vehicle. The driver was disoriented and 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.

For her life-saving actions, Thao received CDCR’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor.

Learn more about all the honorees on the Medal of Valor website.

Did you miss the ceremony? Watch the full Medal of Valor ceremony on Vimeo (may not play on a CDCR computer): https://vimeo.com/reviews/5beaeba3-3d7f-4b0f-8aee-1c93ed3e0a13/videos/1228207663