July 17, 2025, will forever mark the day our friend and fellow public servant, CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. A 40‑year‑old veteran with deep Sacramento roots, Josh was more than a dedicated parole agent, he was a beloved teammate, mentor, and family man whose warmth and quiet leadership touched everyone he met.
A Life of Service and Brotherhood
Josh began his journey with CDCR in June 2014 as a cadet at the Basic Correctional Officer Academy, rising to correctional sergeant in 2020 before joining DAPO as a parole agent in 2024. Before his CDCR career, he served honorably in the U.S. Navy, service that instilled in him a fierce loyalty to “take care of our own.”
But it was off the clock where Josh’s joy truly shone. For years, he anchored the offensive line in Sacramento’s annual Pig Bowl, a charity football game uniting first responders for local causes.
“He had the biggest smile, the greatest team player you can ask for,” recalled Cary Trzcinski, Pig Bowl director. “Josh was one of the anchors—on the field, in the locker room, at practice, and during every community event. He kept us all together.”
That “togetherness” was Josh’s gift: making strangers feel like family, rallying teammates with his calm strength, and serving others without ever seeking credit.
Statements from Leadership
CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber:
“Our hearts are heavy as we remember Josh—his bravery and dedication led to the ultimate sacrifice. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire law enforcement community.”
DAPO Acting Director Heather Bowlds:
“Josh was more than a public servant—he was a husband, a father, a friend, and a valued member of our DAPO family. His loss is felt deeply across the Department.”
CMF Acting Warden Sircoya M. Williams:
“He was dependable, even‑tempered, and always there to help. Josh’s humor and kindness brightened every room. We will miss him tremendously.”
Details of the Incident
On July 17 at 12:48 pm, Agent Byrd was shot inside the Oakland Parole Office at 7717 Edgewater Drive. He was rushed to Highland Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect—a parolee released just weeks earlier—fled but was later apprehended and will face first‑degree murder charges.
A National Honor Guard Tribute
Our CPOF National Honor Guard Team will be flying in from across the nation to join other honor guards in paying tribute to Josh and supporting his family. Law enforcement personnel are warmly encouraged to attend the viewing and stand in solidarity with Agent Byrd’s fellow officers.
Memorial Reflections
“In the hush of twilight, as the stars twinkle in silent homage, we reflect on the legacy Josh leaves behind and his impact on the lives of his loved ones. Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit lives on in the memories held dear—a guiding light in times of darkness.”
Friends, family, and community members are invited to share flowers or condolences on Josh’s online memorial page to uplift his wife and three children.
Viewing & Funeral Information
Viewing Information
Viewing for Law Enforcement will take place this weekend at:
East Lawn Mortuary
5757 Greenback Lane
Sacramento, CA 95841
• Saturday, July 26, 2025: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday, July 27, 2025: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Funeral Service
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 · 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Bayside Church – Adventure Campus
6401 Stanford Ranch Rd, Roseville, CA 95678