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Above the Call

Highlighting CDCR and CCHCS staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Parole Agent Hector Garcia, center, was recognized by his supervisors for saving a teenager who was threatening to jump from a freeway overpass.

Parole Agent Garcia saves teenager

Thanks to recently graduated Parole Agent Hector Garcia, a teenager is safe after threatening self-harm. Parole Agent Hector Garcia was...

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CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber is flanked by Medal of Valor honorees Parole Agent Marcello Yciano and Correctional Officer Teng Thao.

CDCR, CCHCS staff gather for 40th Medal of Valor

CDCR and CCHCS staff gathered at the academy in Galt for the 40th annual Medal of Valor Ceremony. The Sept....

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California Parole Agent Sherman and the house where she rescued an elderly couple and their dog.

Parole Agent Madri Sherman saves two from house fire

Madri Sherman, a parole agent based out of the Ceres Parole Office, entered a smoke-filled house, saving two mobility-impaired residents...

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Correctional Food Manager II Rodriguez at his desk at Waso State Prison-Reception Center.

Off‑duty WSP‑RC food manager credited with saving life

Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) Correctional Food Manager II Louis Rodriguez is being credited with saving the life of a...

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CDCR staff members were recognized at the State Employees Medal of Valor ceremony held June 12, 2026, at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento, California. Group photo of presenters and honorees with the words Above the Call overlaying the bottom of the image.

Governor honors 13 CDCR staff at State Employee Medal of Valor

At the State Employee Medal of Valor ceremony held June 12, there were 13 CDCR staff members honored for their...

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LAC acting fire captain Diaz was honored after saving a child's life while attending his daughter's cheerleading event.

LAC acting Fire Captain Diaz honored for saving child’s life

California State Prison-Los Angeles County (LAC) acting Fire Captain Jose Diaz was honored during a recent ceremony after saving a...

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A parole agent hugs a family member.

Watch: CDCR welcomes 38 new parole agents

CDCR welcomed 38 new parole agents after they graduated at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt. The...

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California State Prison-Sacramento Lt. R. Chan in his office.

Off‑duty lieutenant saves man who collapsed at gym

While off-duty and working out at a gym, Richlin Chan, a lieutenant from California State Prison-Sacramento, saw a man collapse...

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KVSP officers were honored for their heroic actions during an incident at an outside hospital.

KVSP officers recognized for heroic actions

Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) Correctional Officers Jim Rhyu and Alexander Klopfenstein were recognized March 27 for a recent heroic...

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Two CMC transportation officers helped a driver whose truck burst into flames Jan. 16.

CMC officers help driver after truck burst into flames

Two correctional officers from California Men’s Colony (CMC) helped a driver after her truck burst into flames on Interstate 5....

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