On July 17, 2025, Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) was tragically killed in the line of duty while working at the Oakland Parole Office. The loss sent shockwaves through CDCR and the entire law enforcement community. His life, service, and ultimate sacrifice were honored during a powerful memorial service held at Bayside Church in Roseville, California.

The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) was honored to be present in support of Agent Byrd and his family. CPOF Pipe Band member William Stanton of San Quentin led with solemn reverence, while our National Honor Guard Team stood in tribute alongside officers from across the state and nation. Representing the Foundation were Commander Ray Gonsalves, Assistant Commander Angela Lujan, Lieutenant Tony Mosby, Sergeant Howard Dowdell, and team members Brian James, William Stranahan, Steve Perrine, Maria Chandler, Thomas Ewell, Patrick Gallaway, Shauntia Brown, Joseph Caragan, Lora Hodges, David Edelman, and Douglass Abbott.

The memorial was attended by hundreds, including CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber, Undersecretary Jason Johnson, Governor Gavin Newsom, and countless law enforcement personnel and public officials. Each paid tribute to the life of a man described as honorable, kind, humble, and deeply committed to his family and fellow officers.

CDCR honored him with full ceremonial honors. These included a Gauntlet Formation, CPOF bagpiper tribute, California Highway Patrol Riderless Horse, aerial flyover, 21-gun salute, flag folding, and CDCR Taps. It was a fitting farewell for a man whose dedication ran as deep as his integrity.

Agent Byrd was a U.S. Navy veteran who served with distinction for over nine years before receiving an honorable discharge in 2011. After his military service, he sought new ways to serve—first in security, then as a postal carrier, and finally as a peace officer with CDCR. He joined CDCR in 2014, working at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville where he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a Correctional Sergeant and a member of the Investigative Services Unit, the rifle team, and the Honor Guard. In October 2024, he proudly transitioned to the Oakland DAPO office, where he quickly bonded with his team.

His colleagues and family described him as calm under pressure, warmhearted despite his imposing stature, and a man who led by example. He was passionate about his family—his wife Jessica and their three daughters, Claire, Jaylynn, and Nevaeha. He delighted in planning family trips, sharing his love of New Orleans Saints football, and sampling spicy foods from around the world.

At the service, CDCR Undersecretary Jason Johnson said, “Parole Agent Joshua Byrd wasn’t just a name in the system. He was a colleague, a protector, a man of God who showed up day after day to do a job that some people don’t understand and wouldn’t have the courage to do.” Acting DAPO Director Heather Bowlds echoed that sentiment, saying, “In the face of heartbreak, we have also witnessed powerful acts of unity and support.”

Agent Byrd’s death marked the first DAPO line-of-duty loss in over a century and the first CDCR line-of-duty loss since 2018. Yet the legacy he leaves behind is not one of tragedy—it is one of profound service, enduring love, and unwavering devotion to protecting others.

The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is humbled to have stood with the Byrd family, CDCR, and the law enforcement community in honoring such an extraordinary man. Agent Byrd will never be forgotten. His sacrifice is etched into the heart of our correctional family, and we will continue to uphold his legacy with the dignity and respect he so rightly earned.

Rest in peace, Parole Agent Joshua Byrd. Your watch has ended, but your legacy will carry on forever.