Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony
Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony
I’m Ed Smith, a Susanville personal injury attorney. On Thursday, September 15, 2016, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) honored those who went above and beyond the call of duty both on the job and while away from their workplace. Among those honored were over 100 administrators, medical staff, correctional officers, parole agents and more from prisons all over the state of California. The employees were recognized for heroic, selfless actions.
Governor Jerry Brown Present
Governor Jerry Brown was present at the 31st Annual Medal of Valor Ceremony which took place in Elk Grove, California. Many of those who were honored stated they were grateful for the training they received from CDCR’s Basic Correction Officer Academy at the Richard A. McGee training center located in Galt, California.
Becoming a Corrections Officer
It’s a long process to become a Correctional Officer in California, but the wait is worth it. David, a Correctional Officer from Northern California who received a Bronze Star at the ceremony said in a statement below:
“…It was a very long process to get hired on with California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, but one that was well worth it. From the day I applied until the day I started [at my] facility it was over [one] year. I went to the academy with a great group of men and women. I’m proud to call them my brothers and sisters in “green.” I am very thankful for the 16-weeks of training I received during my basic correctional officer training out in Galt. It definitely gave me the training and information I needed to be able to help the victims of the auto accident that I was honored for. My job as a Correctional Officer is very rewarding. Some days are better than others, but we get through it. I’m a part of a wonderful team and we all have each other’s backs. I’m still what they call a ‘newbie’ and getting this type of award so early on in my career has a very special meaning to me. I never would have dreamed I would be standing here today receiving this honor. I did something that I would hope another stranger would do for me should the need arise.”
Keeping the Peace Runs in the Family
When David graduated from the academy his grandfather was present. His grandfather, a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, ‘badged’ David after he successfully completed his training in Galt. On Thursday, David’s grandfather was there again. Retired Chief Master Sgt. Martin Church watched as his grandson received his first award for heroism and bravery. He told David, “Congratulations grandson, stand tall and proud in what you do saving the lives of strangers.”
Information about the CDCR
- The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation houses approximately 165,000 adult offenders and 3,200 juvenile offenders in 33 adult institutions and 8 juvenile facilities across our state.
- There are over 24,000 Correctional Peace Officers, 1,500 parole agents, and 700 Criminal Investigators/Special Agents employed by California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is the second largest law enforcement entity in the United States.
- All California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officers are sworn California State Peace Officers.
How Can I Become a Correctional Officer?
The basic requirements to begin your journey as a California Correctional Officer starts with meeting the following criteria:
- No Felony Convictions
- Eligible to possess a firearm
- United State Citizen
- Must be at least 21 years old
- High school diploma/General Education Degree (GED)
Susanville Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Susanville Personal Injury Lawyer. If you or someone in your family has been seriously injured in an accident, please contact me at (916) 921-6400 for free and friendly advice.
I’ve been helping residents of Lassen County with their personal injury, auto accident and wrongful death claims for more than 3 decades.
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Sources for Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony:
Image Attribution: cdrc.ca.gov (public domain image).
:RTC