California Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Fallen Parole Agent
Governor Gavin Newsom has directed that flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space be flown at half-staff in memory of Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, who died in the line of duty. This marks the first line-of-duty death for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) since 2018.
Agent Byrd, a dedicated public servant, joined the CDCR as a cadet in June 2014. He served as a correctional officer and was promoted to correctional sergeant in 2020 at the California Medical Facility. In October of the previous year, he transitioned to the Division of Adult Parole operations as a parole agent.
“This is a heartbreaking loss. Agent Byrd served with integrity and courage — and we’re forever grateful,” Governor Newsom stated in a press release issued Thursday evening. “We are keeping his family in our prayers and we join the men and women of CDCR in mourning this tragedy.”
CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber expressed the department’s grief, stating, “Our hearts are heavy as we remember Parole Agent joshua Byrd, whose bravery and dedication led to his tragic death in the line of duty. We extend our deepest condolences to the law enforcement community, as well as to Agent Byrd’s family and friends.”
Parole Agent Joshua Byrd is survived by his wife and three children.