CYA Staff Recognized for Bravery, Heroism.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 1999--

Youth and Adult Correctional Agency Secretary Robert Presley and California Youth Authority (CYA) Director Greg Zermeno presented the Medal of Valor to Sgt. Joelle Garcia at the second annual presentation of the department's Medal of Valor awards ceremony on September 15, in Room 4203 at the State Capitol. The ceremony also honored eight other staff members and one local law enforcement officer.

The staff from four CYA locations throughout the state were honored for exceptional acts of heroism, bravery, and service beyond normal job expectations. Those who received the department's highest honors made significant contributions to the safety and security of the workplace and the community in 1998.

"One of the best things we can do is honor those who have not hesitated to do the 'right thing' when tragedy strikes -- often putting themselves at risk to save or help others," said CYA Director Zermeno. "Today our world needs heroes more than ever ... so it is with great pride that we celebrate the brave work of these individuals who have made a difference in our world."

This year the Medal of Valor, the CYA's highest honor, was presented to an employee that has shown distinguished action in the face of immediate and life-threatening peril. In addition, the ceremony included the presentation of one Silver Star, two Bronze Star awards, a Unit Citation, and a Letter of Commendation.

The CYA's Medal of Valor awards program was begun in 1997 with the support and cooperation of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.

The recipients for 1998 are:

Medal of Valor

Joelle Garcia, Sergeant, DeWitt Nelson Youth Correctional Facility (Stockton), for saving two people from vehicles that were involved in a multi-car accident. She pulled one of the victims from a vehicle engulfed in flames.

Silver Star

Fernando Washington, Sergeant, Heman G. Stark Youth Correctional Facility (Chino), for intervening when his K-9 partner turned on a young girl during a joint operation with Chino Police Department. His actions resulted in serious wounds to himself, but prevented other civilians and staff from being injured by the dog.

Bronze Star

Mark Quintero, Youth Correctional Officer, O. H. Close Youth Correctional Facility (Stockton), for his swift actions in saving the life of a ward who was attempting suicide.

Oreaser Brown, Youth Correctional Counselor, O. H. Close Youth Correctional Facility (Stockton), for saving the life of a ward who was trying to commit suicide.

Unit Citation

Gang Information and Apprehension Unit-Southern Region (Glendale) for their years of dedicated and exemplary service in very dangerous situations. This group of Parole Agent II-Specialists (Jaime Caballero, Richard Ellis, Paul Jablonsky, Wayne Lew, Dennis Maldonado, Larry Simmons, and Gil Garcia) have worked closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in joint operations that have led to the arrest of many dangerous criminals.

Letter of Commendation

Jerry Chase of the Chino Police Department for his quick action where a CYA staff person was being attacked by his K-9 partner. Officer Chase ultimately had to shoot and kill the dog to prevent the handler from suffering greater injury.

The CYA provides institutional training and parole supervision for juvenile and young adult offenders. The department also works with community organizations, local law enforcement, and other agencies on gang and drug suppression and delinquency prevention activities.

The department is responsible for more than 13,000 juvenile and young adult offenders, with 7,700 in 11 institutions and four conservation camps, and 5,500 on parole. In addition, more than 16,000 crime victims are on record to receive services from the department.