The Medal of Valor is the Department’s highest award, earned by employees distinguishing themselves by conspicuous bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of correctional service.
The employee shall display great courage in the face of immediate life-threatening peril and with full knowledge of the risk involved.
The act should show professional judgment and not jeopardize operations or the lives of others.
2025 Medal of Valor recipient
Michael Dilger, Parole Agent
Division of Adult Parole Operations, Southern Region Victorville
Parole Agent Michael Dilger was coaching a youth baseball team in Barstow April 17, 2024, when a large, violent brawl broke out nearby. The fight, involving multiple people armed with pipes and sticks, erupted just 50 to 60 yards from a group of children.
Recognizing the danger, Dilger acted immediately, moving the children to safety. He quickly guided them up a narrow set of stairs and into the dugout. As the situation escalated, gunfire rang out. While parents, coaches, and children scrambled for safety, he stayed behind to ensure every child was out of harm’s way.
In the chaos, Dilger saw a young child standing frozen in shock in the stands as bullets ricocheted nearby.
Without hesitation, he shielded the child with his own body and moved him to cover. Dilger repeatedly put himself between the danger and the innocent bystanders. At one point, he even returned to the field to protect more children and guide families to safety.
His quick thinking, calm under pressure, and disregard for his own safety prevented what could have been a far greater tragedy. That night, Agent Michael Dilger’s courage and decisive actions safeguarded countless lives.
Watch his video:
Did you know? The Medal of Valor Employee Recognition Awards ceremony began in 1986, held on the west steps of the Capitol in Sacramento. Read the original 1986 story.
Since 1851, when the first person boarded a ship to serve a state prison sentence, California State Prison staff have worked to maintain public safety.
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