Joshua Byrd

Joshua Lemont Byrd was born August 26, 1984 at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana to his parents Zina Clark Byrd and Leamos Bryd. He was raised in Louisiana and spent much of his youth attending Oakland Baptist Church in Kenner, LA. Joshua attended and played football at Baker High School in Baker, LA. Upon graduating from high school, Joshua joined the United States Navy.

Joshua served in the U.S. Navy for more than 9 years and received several awards and an honorable discharge in 2011. His love for leadership and discipline next led him to pursue a career in law enforcement.

In 2013 he began working as a security guard and then a mail carrier for the post office. During that time, he met his soon to be wife, Jessica, and they married in Sonoma, California on December 31, 2015.

Joshua was then accepted into the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) training academy in Galt, California. Following graduation Joshua began his CDCR career as a Corrections Officer at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville, California.

While working at CMF he proved himself to be selfless and dedicated. He served with distinction and integrity and was part of the Investigative Services Unit (ISU) and in 2020 he was promoted to Sergeant. He was well-liked and appreciated by his co-workers because of his honesty and willingness to help others. Although he had a large and intimidating presence, he was kind and easy-going and treated everyone with dignity and respect. He was part of the rifle team and the Honor Guard.

Above all, Joshua was a family man. He and Jessica raised three precious daughters, Claire, Jaylynn and Nevaeha. His family was his priority and his joy. They will all cherish memories of trips to Dillons Beach and a yearly vacation in Puerto Vallarta as well as many other family adventures.

Joshua loved basketball and football, and he was an avid fan of the New Orleans Saints. His family said one of his favorite things to do was to watch re-runs of Superbowl’s from years ago. He was described by his family, friends and co-workers as someone who was passionate about trying new and different foods and especially hot sauces!

In October 2024, Joshua transferred to CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) as a Parole Agent. He enjoyed this new opportunity and became very close to his DAPO team.

On July 17, 2025, while working in the Oakland California Parole Office, Agent Joshua Byrd was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty. It was the first DAPO line-of-duty death in over 100 years and the first CDCR line-of-duty death since 2018. His devotion and unwavering commitment to public safety is the legacy he will be remembered for.

Joshua leaves behind his cherished and loving wife, Jessica, and his three beautiful daughters, Claire, Jaylynn and Nevaeha and his son-in-law, Juan. He is also survived by his father, Leamos Byrd, his Godfather, Kevin Gray, as well as one sister and one brother, and a host of other family members who reside in Louisiana.

A private funeral service for family, Law Enforcement and invited guests only at Adventure Christian Church, 6401 Stanford Ranch Road, Roseville, CA on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being set up for the family. Cards, letters and contributions may be sent to:

CCPOA

755 Riverpoint Drive, Ste. 200

West Sacramento, CA 95605