Eleven employees from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation received the Gold Star, and two were awarded the Silver Star at the recent State Employee Medal of Valor ceremony.
These awards represent the highest state honors for public safety officers. Recipients showed courage in critical moments, such as rescuing a 94-year-old woman from a burning house and protecting youth baseball players during a nearby shooting.
Governor Gavin Newsom presented the awards to these state employees, recognizing their bravery and dedication to public safety.
Some honorees acted during off-duty hours. Ryan Diangson, Steve Smith, and Jeremy McGhee spotted smoke from a home on fire. They found the elderly homeowner asleep inside, then guided her out safely through thick smoke while clearing obstacles.
Johnny Huynh and Sgt. Alesandro Padilla stopped a violent assault at a church. When the attacker became aggressive, they subdued him despite the risk to their own safety.
Lt. Raymond Siordia pulled a disoriented driver from a flipped pickup truck on a foggy highway. His quick action prevented further harm amid dangerous traffic conditions.
James Jones and Sgt. Jose Navarro rescued victims from a fiery head-on crash during heavy fog. Sgt. Navarro stayed with a critically injured victim, offering calm reassurance until help arrived.
Lt. Dana Boggs saved a driver and their dog from a severe crash. He freed the dog first from the crushed vehicle, then safely removed the driver.
Correctional Officer Sandra Mendonca carried a car accident victim across live traffic lanes to safety and provided emergency first aid.
Parole Agent Michael Dilger protected a youth baseball team during an armed brawl near the field. When gunfire erupted, he shielded a frozen child with his own body and moved everyone to safety.
Silver Star recipients also showed heroism. Correctional Officer Michael Miranda rescued a woman and her children from a truck that rolled down an embankment. He helped free them by breaking the windshield.
Lt. Robert Smalley intervened during a fight at a high school graduation. He helped a lone sheriff’s deputy restrain a suspect, ending the threat.
These stories show how public safety officers face danger to protect others, often without hesitation.
What motivates you to act in emergencies? Could you stay calm and take charge if someone’s life was at risk?
The Medal of Valor program highlights acts performed with great personal risk to save lives. It has honored over 800 state employees since 1959.
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