The Silver Star medal is awarded for acts of bravery under extraordinary or unusual circumstances.
The employee shall display courage in the face of potential peril while saving or attempting to save the life of another person or distinguish himself or herself by performing in stressful situations with exceptional tactics or judgement.
2025 Silver Star recipients
Johnny Huynh, Associate Governmental Program Analyst
CPOST
While volunteering at Creekside Church in Elk Grove Dec. 16, 2024, coworkers Johnny Huynh and Correctional Sgt. Alessandro Padilla protected a woman facing a dangerous situation.
When the woman told them she was being followed by a man inside the building, Padilla immediately placed himself between her and the man, telling him to stop.
The man ignored the commands, struck Padilla, and came toward him while brandishing a chair. Padilla used his training to force the man to the ground, where Huynh moved in without hesitation. Huynh took control of the suspect’s arm and leg, helping immobilize him as he resisted.
Together, they maintained control until the suspect stopped fighting, and police arrived to take him into custody.
Their swift coordinated actions stopped a violent assault in a crowded public setting. Additional staff provided support after the suspect was restrained, helping ensure the safety of everyone present.
Note: Correctional Sgt. Alessandro Padilla received the Gold Star for his actions.
Dana Boggs, Correctional Lieutenant
Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center
While driving home on Highway 50 in Folsom last Dec. 12, 2024, Lt. Dana Boggs saw a car swerve through traffic, strike another vehicle, launch up an embankment, and roll.
The car came to rest upside down between a barricade and live lanes of traffic.
Boggs stopped, turned on his emergency lights, and ran to the wreck. He found the driver trapped along with a dog inside. Smoke was also coming from the vehicle.
Boggs directed bystanders to call 911 and watch for traffic, then worked to free the occupants. He took the dog out of the car and moved it to a safer area. He then helped extract the driver from the overturned car and guided him away from the roadway.
He remained on scene, monitoring the driver and securing the area until the first responders arrived. His quick action, calm command presence, and willingness to risk his own safety prevented a bad situation from becoming worse.
Gilbert Duenas, Correctional Officer
California Medical Facility
Correctional Officer Gilbert Duenas was traveling northbound on Interstate 5 in Sacramento around 2 a.m. Oct. 6, 2024, when he came upon a vehicle accident.
The car had crashed head-on into the concrete center divider. The area was dark, and the vehicle had no emergency lights.
Duenas pulled over, turned on his own emergency lights, and approached the wreck. He used his flashlight to illuminate the scene, warning other drivers and guiding them safely around the damaged vehicle.
He helped the driver move to a safe area and stayed with him until emergency services could respond.
Moments later, another vehicle struck the same divider, coming within feet of hitting the first driver. Duenas quickly returned to help the second driver exit the damaged vehicle, moving him out of harm’s way as well.
Raymond Siorida, Correctional Lieutenant
California Men’s Colony
On New Year’s Day 2024, Lt. Raymond Siorida was driving on Highway 101 when he witnessed a pickup truck lose control, cross multiple lanes of traffic, and collide with another vehicle before overturning.
The truck came to rest on its side, trapping the driver inside.
Siorida immediately stopped and ran to the wreckage.
Despite the danger of leaking fuel and the instability of the overturned truck, he climbed onto the vehicle and pulled the injured driver to safety.
As he did, another vehicle spun out nearby, narrowly missing them.
After securing the driver, Siorida saw another person injured in the crash. He quickly moved to help the victim, stabilizing the individual until emergency responders arrived. His swift, decisive actions prevented further harm and ensured both victims were safely cared for.
Robert Smalley, Correctional Lieutenant
California State Prison, Sacramento
Lt. Robert Smalley was off duty attending his niece’s graduation at Sutter Union High School June 7, 2024, when he witnessed a fight break out behind the bleachers involving four individuals.
From his position in the stands, he saw a lone deputy from the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office confronting the group.
Recognizing the deputy was outnumbered and in danger, Smalley immediately responded to assist. As the deputy pursued one of the suspects, Smalley joined the chase and helped subdue the individual.
Using his training and physical strength, Smalley brought the suspect to the ground, secured him in a prone position, and assisted the deputy in applying restraints. Once the suspect was safely in custody, the immediate threat ended.
Jose Navarro, Correctional Sergeant
James Jones, Office Technician
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran
Colleagues James Jones and Sgt. Jose Navarro were driving to work through dense fog near Lemoore Dec. 4, 2024, when they came upon a head-on collision involving multiple vehicles. One of the vehicles was on fire and several occupants were critically injured.
Jones and Navarro immediately stopped to help. Working alongside an Avenal Police Department officer, they pulled victims from the wreckage, moved them to safety, and provided aid despite the danger of fire, leaking fuel, and near-zero visibility.
Their calm coordination and willingness to put themselves at risk ensured that the injured victims received critical help before emergency responders arrived. Although one victim later succumbed to her injuries, their actions that morning brought others to safety and demonstrated remarkable courage under life-threatening conditions.
Steve Smith, Plumber II, California Health Care Facility
Ryan Diangson, Plumber II, California Health Care Facility
Jeremy Mcghee, Construction Supervisor II, CSP-Sacramento
Steve Smith, Ryan Diangson, and Jeremy Mcghee were off duty Oct. 12, 2024, working at a residence in West Sacramento when they saw smoke pouring from a nearby home. They quickly realized the house belonged to an elderly woman who was still inside.
Without hesitating, they ran toward the burning home. Smith and Diangson entered the smoke-filled residence, found the woman, and guided her to safety. At the same time, Mcghee worked to ensure the path was clear and safe for their escape. Once outside, they stayed with her, offering comfort and support until emergency personnel arrived.
Their quick action, teamwork, and disregard for their own safety saved the life of a neighbor in grave danger.
Read more stories of bravery on Inside CDCR’s Above the Call series.