By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a display of strength, resilience and solidarity, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) staff recently stepped into the boxing ring for a great cause.
The 2024 “Battle of the Badges” boxing event brought together CDCR officers, firefighters, police officers and other first responders to raise awareness about mental health challenges and promote wellbeing across the department.
This year, 22 of the 38 boxers represented CDCR, a news release stated. The event provided a unique opportunity for first responders to connect and support one another away from the demands of their challenging roles.
Participants traded their uniforms for boxing gloves, stepping up to show that physical and mental fitness go hand in hand.
“Working at CDCR could be kind of tough. Doing something like this outside of work, just one hour not thinking about work, none of your problems, just out there just working out,” Corrections Officer JaVun Willie said.
The initiative also aimed to normalize conversations about mental health within CDCR facilities, where officers and staff often juggle high-pressure situations. By engaging in an activity that promotes teamwork and stress relief, the event highlighted how physical fitness can contribute to mental wellness — a sentiment echoed by corrections officers.
“There’s days when you feel like you’re not going to make it. Then there (are) days when you just get up and keep going,” said Briana Doss, a correctional officer at California State Prison, Solano. “So sometimes the consistency just gets you there.”
The event, which took place in October, also served as a fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting mental health programs and resources for CDCR staff. Organizers hope the success of the inaugural fight will spark similar events in the future, creating an ongoing dialogue around mental health and resilience.
“If you feel that you’re not worth it, just know there are so many people (who) would rather have you there, than not,” said Albert De Leon, correctional sergeant at Ironwood State Prison.