(BOP) - On Friday, June 17, 2022, the United States Penitentiary in Atwater, California unveiled a statue of Correctional Officer Jose V. Rivera in a park also bearing his name and memorializing the Bureau of Prison's 24th Fallen Hero. Officer Rivera lost his life in the line of duty on Friday, June 20, 2008, at USP Atwater. The Jose V. Rivera Memorial Park has been an ongoing project for multiple years, culminating with the unveiling of the statute and dedication ceremony. Years of collaboration between Bureau staff from USP Atwater, and across the nation, shall forever honor Officer Rivera's memory and his ultimate sacrifice. The ceremony, held during USP Atwater's 2022 Correctional Workers' Week, was attended by members of Officer Rivera's family, Bureau staff and distinguished members of the community.
Officer Jose V. Rivera began his Bureau career on August 5, 2007 after serving four years in the United States Navy and completing two courageous tours of active duty in Iraq. Less than a year later, at age 22, his life was taken from him. Officer Rivera is survived by his mother, two sisters, a brother, and an agency of law enforcement professionals who will never let him be forgotten.
Read more about our Fallen Hero, Correctional Officer Jose V. Rivera