Sgt Polanco’s battle with COVID-19

Sgt. Gilbert Polanco is fighting for his life due to COVID-19. He is currently in a medically induced coma and fully intubated due to this awful disease. His wife of 30 years and daughter have since tested COVID positive and are quarantined at home, while his son is dealing with being overseas and unable to support his dad, mom, and sister in person. Sgt. Polanco is a San Jose, Ca. native, having grown up in the westside neighborhood called, The Horseshoe. After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High school. He joined the California Department of Corrections-Soledad in 1987, transferred to San Quentin in 1988 and became one of the pioneers of the H-Unit Bootcamp program for inmates in 1991, subsequently promoting to the rank of Correctional Sgt., a title he holds to this day. Additionally, Sgt. Polanco also served in the Army and the National Guard. During his tenure he has held office as Chapter President of Correctional Chicanos Workers Association-San Quentin, and is the current Chapter President of the Latino Peace Officers Association, often crossing the labor aisle to assist in local California Correctional Peace Officer Association events in an effort to maximize his support to all of his brothers and sisters walking the toughest beat. During his initial hospitalization but prior to his health taking a downward turn, he was enjoying FaceTime and Speaker Phone communication with his family, friends, and bible study partner, retired Lt. Moore. The Polanco family could use the support of their extended family that they’ve adopted in us to assist with expenses associated with the financial burden of Gil no longer being able to carry the load in addition to his wife and daughter’s COVID positive related quarantine-health issues. While we will never give up hope that Gil will pull through, we must be realistic in acknowledging that our brother Gil’s prognosis is not a good one. Although he has machines breathing for him, his lungs are rejecting a large percentage of the oxygen. It is that truth, that terribly gut wrenching reality, that we’ve been given permission to ask for help for his family. He has given his professional life and much of his personal life answering the calls of our brothers and sisters in CDCR personally, professionally, and in the labor movement. It is now time that we come to his aid and support his family in a time that he can not. Any little bit counts. Thank you in advance!