The passage of California’s Scanlan Bill marks a significant milestone in recognizing and protecting correctional professionals and their families.
October 12, 2026
Five years ago today, the correctional community lost a dedicated officer, husband, father, and colleague. On October 12, 2021, Fresno County Sheriff’s Correctional Officer IV Toamalama “Malama” Scanlan passed away from injuries sustained in the line of duty more than five years earlier.
Today, as we honor the fifth anniversary of his End of Watch, we also recognize a remarkable achievement that ensures his name and sacrifice will continue to make a difference for generations of correctional professionals.
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Officer Scanlan began his career in public service with the Fresno County Probation Department on June 29, 1998. He joined the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office on April 10, 2006, and was promoted to Correctional Officer IV in August 2012. At the time of his injury, he was assigned to Population Management and served as a member of the Security Emergency Response and Tactics (SERT) Team.
On September 3, 2016, Officer Scanlan and fellow Correctional Officer Juanita Davila were shot while responding to an armed suspect inside the Fresno County Main Jail lobby. Officer Davila survived her injuries, while Officer Scanlan suffered a devastating traumatic brain injury.
For more than five years, Officer Scanlan endured extensive medical treatment and hospitalization. Despite his courageous fight, he succumbed to complications from his injuries on October 12, 2021, at the age of 46.
He left behind his wife, Tepatasi, their six children, and a correctional family that would never forget his sacrifice.
The Scanlan Bill: Turning Tragedy into Lasting Change
On September 14, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2004, known as “The Scanlan Bill,” into law. The legislation, which takes effect January 1, 2027, grants limited peace officer status to qualifying correctional personnel employed by the Fresno County and San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Offices.
Under the new law, these correctional professionals will receive additional protections, including authorization to carry firearms while performing their assigned duties and access to certain line-of-duty death benefits for their surviving families.
The legislation recognizes a reality correctional professionals have long understood: those who work inside correctional facilities face unpredictable and dangerous situations, often serving as the first line of defense during emergencies.
For the families of correctional professionals, the legislation represents an equally important advancement. By extending certain line-of-duty death benefits, the law helps ensure that families who experience an unimaginable loss receive recognition and support previously unavailable to them.
The Scanlan Bill is more than legislation bearing a fallen officer’s name. It is a lasting acknowledgment of his sacrifice and a meaningful step toward protecting those who continue to serve.
Recognizing Those Who Made It Possible
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation proudly recognizes and congratulates the Scanlan family and everyone whose dedication and perseverance helped bring this important legislation to fruition.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, legislative leaders, advocates, correctional professionals, and all those who worked to advance Assembly Bill 2004.
Most importantly, we recognize the Scanlan family, whose strength and commitment to honoring Malama’s memory have helped keep his sacrifice at the forefront of this effort.
The passage of this legislation is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when families, correctional professionals, and community leaders work together toward a common purpose.
While no law can undo the tragedy of October 12, 2021, the protections established in Officer Scanlan’s name will have a meaningful impact on correctional professionals and their loved ones for years to come.
A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
As we commemorate five years since Officer Scanlan’s passing, we remember not only the circumstances of his sacrifice but also the life he lived and the family he loved.
We also recognize Correctional Officer Juanita Davila, who survived the September 2016 attack, and the many first responders, medical professionals, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives were forever affected by that day.
At the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, our mission is rooted in standing beside correctional professionals and their families during their greatest times of need. The passage of the Scanlan Bill reflects the importance of recognizing their service, honoring their sacrifices, and ensuring that the families left behind are never forgotten.
To Tepatasi, the Scanlan children, and the entire family, we offer our continued love, respect, and gratitude. Your loved one’s legacy now extends beyond the walls of the Fresno County Jail, providing meaningful protections to those who follow in his footsteps.
Five years after his End of Watch, Correctional Officer IV Toamalama “Malama” Scanlan continues to make a difference. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his legacy will live on through every correctional professional and family protected by the law bearing his name.
Correctional Officer IV Toamalama “Malama” Scanlan
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, California
End of Watch: October 12, 2021
Honor the Fallen. Remember the Sacrifice. Support the Families.