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IN HONOR OF HEROESCalipatria State Prison honors several officers for their exemplary behavior in the face of great danger in one of the worst assaults on staff in the history of CDCR. by Perry Speth, CCPOA State Secretary Not too many people doubt that the job of a correctional peace officer is a dangerous one. However, we all know that mainstream media coverage about the dangers of the job, or the heroics involved in incidents of bravery displayed by our officers is scant at best. So when I heard that the correctional peace officers involved in the August 2005 riot at Calipatria State Prison were going to be honored with a Medal of Valor ceremony, I knew that even though we couldn't count on any other media coverage, we would definitely highlight the courage of these brave men and women in the Peacekeeper. The ceremony was held outside the institution on Feb. 14, 2007. I was, in fact, pleasantly surprised to see a few other media representatives there to cover the event, including 44 Blue, which produces a television show called Lock Up, that can be seen on MSNBC on Saturday nights. It was nice to see at least one film crew there to document the stories of these officers. When a street cop or firefighter is faced with a life-threatening situation, it is broadcast all over television, radio, and newspapers. But when a similar incident happens behind the walls to one of our own, we are lucky if there is even a mention of it in a local paper. I have always felt that anyone who chooses a career that involves placing their life in harm's way to keep others safe is, plain and simple, a hero. Unfortunately, because most news editors don't see as much glamour in our stories of heroism as they do with street cops, soldiers or firefighters, our stories aren't as readily shared with the public. But this day it was different. This story was being told. These Calipatria officers were recognized for their service in the line of duty, and, hopefully, everyone reading this will know it is only one stunning example of the bravery, duty, and honor displayed every day by California's correctional peace officers. Thursday, Aug. 18, 2005, was just another hot, hot, summer day at Calipatria State Prison. A Facility C yard officer was attempting to perform a clothed-body search on an inmate he believed was acting suspicious. The inmate initially complied with the search, however, as the search was being conducted, the officer discovered a weapon on the inmate's waistband. The officer grabbed hold of the weapon and ordered the inmate to cuff up. The inmate refused and suddenly turned on the officer, grabbing the officer's arm to break his hold of the weapon. The officer maintained control of the weapon, lifting the inmate off his feet and forcing him to the ground. While attempting to place the inmate in handcuffs, the officer looked up and observed several inmates running toward him. Approaching the officer, the inmates began kicking him and punching him in the head and upper torso. Noticing the officer was bleeding from his head, staff responded, making their way toward him, only to be assaulted by inmates as they tried to move forward. They continued the fight, knowing he would be killed if they did not get there in time. A Code 3 response was requested, and responders moved to the center of the melee to gain control. Several staff members were already injured. Approximately 35 minutes later, while staff members were processing the initial incident, another assault on staff was about to occur -- this time in front of Facility C dining hall. Inmates assigned to the kitchen had observed the situation on the facility yard unfold. Clearly outnumbered, the sole dining hall officer radioed for assistance. When additional staff arrived, the dining officer moved toward the door, attempting to exit out of harm's way. As she opened the door, the inmates in the dining hall rushed her and began to pummel her as she tried to key her way out. She finally exited the building as the inmates continued their assault on her and the responding officers. The female officer was lifted off her feet by the inmates and slammed onto the asphalt. Staff saw her bounce hard on the surface and knew she was seriously hurt. Yet, she jumped to her feet, stood next to her peers, and continued the fight until they were able to gain control of the incident. Several more officers were now injured. Simultaneously, in Housing Unit C5, approximately 20 to 30 inmates refused to return to their assigned cells. The inmates were observed breaking broom and mop handles and fashioning them into spears and stabbing instruments. The Control Booth officer sounded his alarm for assistance to help control the rioting inmates. Once additional correctional staff arrived, they entered the housing unit to secure the building, only to be immediately attacked by the armed inmates. Staff were literally fighting for their lives and the lives of their fellow officers. This incident continued to escalate to the point it became necessary to use deadly force to bring an end to the riot. When the incident was finally over, more than 20 staff members were injured. Off institution grounds, hospital emergency room hallways were full of injured staff. Some sustained lacerations, abrasions, and broken bones. Family members of the injured staff walked down the hallways, moving from gurney to gurney, looking for their loved ones. With tears in her eyes, one mother stated, "They said my son was OK, but I had to see for myself." The events that took place at Calipatria State Prison on Aug. 18, 2005, are recognized as some of the worst assaults on staff in recent history of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Continue Reading: Page 1 | Page 2  Print This PageBack to Volume 24, Issue 2 Back to PEACEKeeper Main Page |
