California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

End of Watch: April 1, 1981

More than four decades later, we pause to remember a man whose quiet dedication and selfless courage embody the very spirit of the correctional profession, Charles L. Sickles.

On March 30, 1981, at San Quentin State Prison, Foreman Sickles did what so many correctional professionals do every day: he stepped in to protect others.

While working inside the Wood Product Factory, he intervened in a violent altercation between two inmates. In the chaos of that moment, Foreman Sickles was stabbed while attempting to restore order and prevent further harm. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries on April 1, 1981.

He was 65 years old.

A Life of Service

Charles Lloyd Sickles was born on February 22, 1917, in Missouri. His life was defined by service, to his country, his profession, and his family.

A proud veteran of the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, he later continued his commitment to service through a long and distinguished career with the California Department of Corrections.

Beginning his state service in 1956 as a textile foreman at San Quentin, Sickles briefly served as a correctional officer before returning to the prison industries program. Through years of hard work and leadership, he rose to become a supervisor in 1970, a position he held until his passing.

Over the course of more than two decades, he became a respected presence within the institution: steady, dependable, and committed to the safety and function of the facility.

A Sacrifice That Will Never Be Forgotten

Foreman Sickles’ actions on that day were not extraordinary because they were rare, but because they were instinctive.

He did not hesitate.
He did not stand back.
He stepped forward.

His willingness to intervene, even in the face of danger, reflects the daily reality of correctional professionals across the nation—individuals who place themselves between order and chaos, often without recognition.

He became the second California Department of Corrections employee to lose his life in the line of duty in 1981. The inmate responsible for the attack was later convicted and sentenced to death.

Remembering the Man Behind the Badge

Beyond the uniform, Charles Sickles was a husband, a father, and a grandfather.

He was survived by his wife, Hilda, his children, and his grandchildren, his legacy living on through the family he loved and protected.

Those who knew him remember a man of quiet strength, deep integrity, and unwavering dedication.

45 Years Later — We Remember

Today, more than 45 years later, we honor Foreman Charles L. Sickles not only for how he died—but for how he lived.

His name is etched into the history of the correctional profession, and his sacrifice is forever part of the foundation we stand on today.

At the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, we believe that remembrance is not a moment—it is a responsibility.

We remember Charles L. Sickles.
We honor his service.
And we will never forget his sacrifice.

“Taking Care of Our Own.”