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.
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
Division of Adult Parole Operations
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.
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