WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) will honor 20 employees during the 40^th annual Medal of Valor ceremony today at 10 a.m. PDT at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt. This year's highest awards will be presented to Parole Agent Marcello Yciano, whose immediate response in the midst of a shooting inside the Division of Adult Parole Operations' (DAPO) Oakland field office helped protect DAPO colleagues and ensure the capture of the shooter, and Central California Women's Facility (CCWF) Correctional Officer Teng Thao who, after working a 16-hour shift, pulled a man from a burning vehicle moments before it was engulfed in flames.

BIGGER PICTURE: Twenty employees throughout the state will be recognized for heroic acts and dedicated public service. For four decades, the Medal of Valor, CDCR's highest honor, has been presented to employees who display conspicuous bravery or heroism far beyond the normal demands of correctional service. Recipients show exceptional judgement, courage in the face of life-threatening danger and a commitment to protecting others without compromising operations or safety.

Parole Officer Marcello Yciano and CCWF Corrections Officer Teng Thao Win Medal of Valor

On July 17, 2025, while on duty at the Oakland Parole Complex, Yciano became aware of a rapidly unfolding, life-threatening emergency involving a fellow parole agent. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Yciano acted without hesitation, directing nearby staff to safety, summoning emergency assistance and moving toward the emergency to aid his colleague. Faced with an extraordinary and deeply traumatic event, Yciano demonstrated exceptional courage, decisive leadership, selflessness and an unwavering devotion to duty.

On Oct. 11, 2025, Thao was off-duty having just completed a 16-hour shift when she encountered a truck engulfed in flames with a disoriented driver still inside. She ran toward the burning vehicle, escorted the driver to safety before the truck became completely engulfed and prevented him from wandering into highway traffic while waiting for emergency responders. Thao was a 2025 Bronze Star recipient, recognized for helping save a woman's life at a Hmong New Year's celebration.

Gold Star Medal

The Gold Star Medal is awarded for heroic deeds under extraordinary circumstances. The employee shall display courage in the face of immediate peril in acting to save the life of another person.

• Jeffrey Bargstadt, correctional sergeant, California Health Care Facility, Stockton
• Thomas Grady, Jr., correctional officer/K9 Unit, Salinas Valley State Prison, and K-9 officer Anna (honorary Gold Star)
• James Kern, Resource Specialist Program teacher/educator, Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, San Diego
• Enrique Medel-Vasquez, correctional officer, Substance Abuse Training Facility, Corcoran
• Vincent Vidaurri, correctional officer, Substance Abuse Training Facility

Silver Star Medal

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 him/herself by performing in stressful situations with exceptional tactics or judgement.

• Azeem Bath, correctional health services administrator II, California Medical Facility, Vacaville
• Tyrone Fermon, correctional sergeant, Calipatria State Prison

Bronze Star Medal

The Bronze Star is awarded for saving a life without placing oneself in peril. The employee shall have used proper training and tactics in a professional manner to save, or clearly contribute to saving, the life of another person.

• Joseph Amezquita, correctional officer, Sierra Conservation Center, Jamestown
• Joseph Masterson, correctional officer, Sierra Conservation Center
• Mallory Corter, correctional sergeant, California State Prison, Sacramento
• Esteban Cruz, correctional officer, Pleasant Valley State Prison, Coalinga
• Josue Hernandez, heavy equipment operator, Avenal State Prison
• Michael Olmos, correctional officer, California Rehabilitation Center, Norco
• Sandeep "Deep" Singh, correctional officer, Sierra Conservation Center
• Hugo Soto, correctional officer, Correctional Training Facility, Soledad
• Orlando Gomez, correctional officer, Mule Creek State Prison, Ione
• Jocelin Chavez, correctional officer, Substance Abuse Training Facility
• Myra Lopez-Zamorano, correctional officer, Substance Abuse Training Facility

The California Department of Human Resources also sponsors the Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor Award. The employee's department makes the award nominations. The statewide Merit Award Board reviews the nominations. The Director of CalHR selects the awardees. Since the program began in 1959, over 800 state employees have received Medals of Valor. The Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor Award is the highest honor California bestows on its public servants.

AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD (Photos and videos will be added throughout the day on Friday

• Watch the livestream of the ceremony here
• Honorees photo gallery
• Professional quality candid photos of the ceremony

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: OPEC Press Office [email protected]