Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON – Fallen Atwater Correctional Officer Jose Rivera was honored today at a candlelight vigil in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and was attended by law enforcement, correctional officers and Congressman Dennis Cardoza.

“As a community and a nation, we will forever owe Mr. Rivera and his family a debt of gratitude,” Congressman Cardoza said after the vigil. “This is among the most honorable ways of recognizing the ultimate sacrifice that a young man made while serving to keep our prisons and communities safe.”

Rivera was killed on June 20, 2008 at Atwater Federal Penitentiary when he was stabbed by two inmates using weapons made with materials from inside the prison. Rivera had been employed as a correctional officer for less than a year when he was killed. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he had served two tours of duty in Iraq.

As part of today’s ceremony, Congressman Cardoza was invited to lay a wreath in honor of the fallen correctional officer.

“The passing of this fine young man should serve as a reminder to all of us of the sacrifice, commitment and dedication that our law enforcement and correctional officers make each and every day,” said Congressman Cardoza. “It was an honor to have been invited to this vigil and to join his fellow officers in recognizing the sacrifice Mr. Rivera made. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with his family.”