SAN QUENTIN MOURNS THE LOST OF CORRECTIONAL SERGEANT GILBERT POLANCO (END OF WATCH – AUGUST 9, 2020):
It is with great sadness that San Quentin announces the passing of Correctional Sergeant GILBERT POLANCO. On August 9, 2020, at approximately 0520 hours, Correctional Sergeant Gilbert Polanco passed way at an outside hospital in San Jose, CA.
Sergeant Polanco has served the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since July 1987, beginning his career as a correctional officer at San Quentin. He transferred to Correctional Training Facility in July 1989 where he served until Oct. 1990 before transferring back to San Quentin where he promoted to correctional sergeant in June 2001. Sergeant Polanco retired from a disability in May 2005 and rejoined the department in January 2011 where he served as a correctional sergeant at San Quentin until his passing. Gilbert is survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
-Statement from Governor Gavin Newsom:
“Jennifer and I offer our deepest condolences to Sgt. Polanco’s family, friends and co-workers. We are grateful for his many years of loyal service to the people of California, and his dedication to keeping our communities safe.”
-Statement from CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz:
“Sergeant Gilbert Polanco is an example of the best of CDCR and his passing deeply saddens us all. His dedication to public service will not be forgotten,” said California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Secretary Ralph Diaz. “On behalf of a grateful department we extend our prayers of comfort and condolences to the Polanco family during these difficult times.”
-Statement from San Quentin Warden (A) Ron Broomfield:
“Our hearts are broken as we awaken to the news of the passing of our beloved Sergeant, colleague, and friend,” said Acting San Quentin Warden Ron Broomfield. “Sgt. Gilbert Polanco demonstrated unwavering commitment and bravery as a peace officer working the frontline every day during this devastating pandemic. His memory is carried on in the hearts of all the men and women who continue to battle this deadly virus at San Quentin. We mourn together with his family and pray for their peace and comfort in the midst of their immeasurable loss.”
CCSO is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Polanco. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family. Sgt. Polanco will be missed by many.