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.
2026 Silver Star honorees
CDCR is honoring two Silver Star Medal recipients whose actions demonstrated bravery under extraordinary circumstances. We recognize the off‑duty correctional sergeant who stopped an attacker in a grocery store, and the health services administrator who pulled an injured driver from an overturned car as smoke rose from the wreck. Each shows the courage and decisive action recognized by the Silver Star Medal, awarded for bravery in extraordinary situations.
Azeem Bath, Correctional Health Services Administrator II
California Medical Facility
Azeem Bath was on his way to work May 22, 2025, when he witnessed an accident on Interstate 5 in Woodland. Vehicles were slowing down due to traffic, and a pickup truck in front of him braked too late, causing it to collide with the back of another vehicle.
The force of the collision caused the second vehicle to become airborne, and it rolled over several times before coming to a rest on its driver’s side.
Bath immediately pulled over, before the vehicle came to a rest. Without hesitation, he ran toward the vehicle. Inside the car was a female driver, covered in blood and dazed. He called 911.
After determining she was able to move and likely did not have any spinal damage, Bath climbed through the broken sunroof and extracted her from the vehicle. Since smoke was coming from the vehicle and fearing it may catch fire, he moved the driver to a safe distance.
Bath also checked on the pickup truck driver and found him physically OK but emotionally shaken up. Emergency services arrived shortly. Bath remained on scene to give his report to the officers, including sharing his dashcam video of the entire incident.
For his quick action, composure and readiness to step in during a life-threatening situation, Azeem Bath is presented with the Silver Star.
Tyrone Fermon, Correctional Sergeant
Calipatria State Prison
Correctional Sgt. Tyrone Fermon was in the checkout line at a grocery store in Bermuda Dunes April 2, 2025, when he heard a woman scream.
He immediately turned his attention to the direction of the disturbance and saw a man kick a female employee in the leg and spit in her face. Without hesitation, Fermon stepped in, attempting to deescalate the situation by reasoning with him. The man then lunged toward Fermon and tried to strike him in the face. Fermon was able to evade the punch and use physical force to take the male subject to the ground.
Fermon maintained control over the man until other customers assisted. Together, they held the man until Riverside County Sheriff deputies arrived. Fermon maintained his composure as the man threatened to kill him and others. While controlling the subject on the ground, Fermon’s actions undoubtedly prevented further harm, reinforcing the vital role law enforcement officials play whether on duty or off.
For his quick thinking, unwavering bravery and a deep commitment to public safety, Sgt. Tyrone Fermon is awarded the Silver Star.
Read more stories of bravery on Inside CDCR’s Above the Call series.
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