Headquarters photo
Isaac Clark, landscape maintenance worker with Crew 675 out of Patterson, is now part of the Caltrans Statewide Honor Guard.
By Rick Brewer
Headquarters Public Affairs
Isaac Clark, 39, is among the newest members of the Caltrans Statewide Honor Guard, and the first to be chosen from District 10 since the pandemic.
Now, in addition to his duties as a landscape maintenance worker with Crew 675 out of Patterson, Issac will participate alongside other Guard members in the annual Workers Memorial event each April. He will also serve at various functions when called upon. The Guard’s main purpose is to honor the men and women of Caltrans killed while on duty serving the state.
“The whole (Honor Guard) process struck a chord with me,” Isaac said. “First, with my military background, and then watching the Caltrans service over the years, it reminded me of the familiar ways we honor our fallen.”
Before joining Caltrans seven years ago, Isaac served in the Marine Corps for four years. While deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, he watched fellow soldiers die in combat.
“(Isaac’s) strong military background played a pivotal role in our decision to bring him into the Honor Guard. It represents a foundation of service, discipline, accountability, and commitment – values that directly align with the expectations and responsibilities of this unit,” said Honor Guard Captain Alex Valdez.
“His soldier mentality translates into a clear respect for the chain of command, the ability to carry out orders with precision, and a steady sense of duty under pressure.”
Upon his return stateside, Isaac joined his family’s business as a plumbing and construction contractor. He landed a job refurbishing the restrooms at the Caltrans Division of Equipment office in Sacramento and was encouraged to consider state service.
“I didn’t really know anything about Caltrans at the time. But they gave us a plaque because the new bathrooms turned out amazing,” Isaac said. “From that job I ran into a man who liked the work we did and asked if I was getting retirement, benefits or health care, which I wasn’t. He gave me a nudge.”
It took three applications for Isaac to be hired as a permanent intermittent employee before landing a full-time position. He has since become a licensed sprayer and drone pilot. Isaac first applied for a position with the Honor Guard in 2023 and was accepted during the 2025 recruiting period.
“My mentality is to never give up,” Isaac said, “I told my supervisor if it ever came up again, I wanted another shot.”
During the most recent Honor Guard recruitment, Isaac noted the unexpected passing of longtime District 10 Public Information Officer and Homeless Encampment Liaison Rick Estrada. He became close with the Estrada family over the years, often performing handyman jobs at their Oakdale residence.
Isaac utilized this personal connection with a fellow Caltrans employee to illustrate how one must handle Guard requirements of providing compassionate comfort to family members of fallen employees while still maintaining personal dignity and professionalism.
It’s a responsibility Isaac believes all Caltrans employees should want to do - participate in a cause bigger than any individual or crew. He sees the Honor Guard as an opportunity to transcend the entire department.
“This is very special. At the end of the day, we all want to go home safely. And this sheds light on those who didn’t get to go home,” he said. “This shows that Caltrans cares about you, you will be remembered, and your family will be cared for.”