At the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, our mission is simple and unwavering: Taking Care of Our Own.

In December 2025, Correctional Officer Daniel Castro of Sierra Conservation Center received life-altering news. Daniel was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery on December 15, 2025. He remained hospitalized for one week, from December 15 through December 20, as doctors began the difficult process of treatment and recovery.

While the surgery marked the beginning of his fight, it also marked the beginning of significant challenges for Daniel and his family.

Daniel will be disabled for several months as he undergoes treatment and recovery. Although he had leave time available, those hours will soon be exhausted. Compounding the hardship, Daniel’s required medical treatment is located approximately an hour and a half from his home. During his week-long hospitalization alone, his family incurred more than $1,000 in travel-related and out-of-pocket expenses—costs that continue to add up as appointments and follow-up care remain ongoing.

But behind every uniform is a family.

Daniel shared a photo of his beautiful family—his wife, Adrienne, and their daughters, Arie and Milana. It is a reminder that when a correctional officer faces a medical crisis, the entire family carries the weight of uncertainty, financial strain, and emotional stress.

After learning of Daniel’s situation through a self-referral on December 24, 2025, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation stepped in to provide medical and travel-related financial assistance. Our Catastrophic Assistance Program exists precisely for moments like this—when unforeseen tragedy or medical crisis threatens the stability of a correctional family.

Correctional professionals dedicate their lives to protecting the public, often at great personal risk. When illness, injury, or tragedy strikes, they deserve to know they are not alone.

Because of the generosity of CPOF’s supporting membership, donors, Field Representatives, volunteers, and partners nationwide, we are able to respond quickly and compassionately in times of urgent need. It is through this collective commitment that we are able to stand beside Daniel, Adrienne, Arie, and Milana during this difficult chapter.

We ask that you keep Officer Castro and his family in your thoughts as he continues his recovery. And we thank every member who makes it possible for CPOF to respond when our correctional family needs us most.

This is what it means to be a family.

This is what it means to Take Care of Our Own.