The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) was proud to participate in the American Correctional Association (ACA) Conference, showcasing our ongoing commitment to fallen correctional professionals and their families. Our booth in the exhibit hall served as a strong reminder of our mission, featuring a meaningful display that included a mini wall from this year’s Project and a U.S. map honoring correctional staff who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The visual impact of this exhibit resonated deeply with many attendees, some of whom recognized their coworkers and friends among those remembered.

ACA also honored CPOF National Director Jeff Washington on his retirement from ACA, a special recognition of his decades of service and leadership. Representing CPOF at the conference were Vice Chairman Don Dease, retired Field Representative Judy Dease, Secretary Kim Potter-Blair, National Director Jeff Washington, Field Representatives Guy Edmonds and John Kolodziej, Assistant Honor Guard Commander Angela Lujan, and Interim CEO Erin Stone.

The CPOF team engaged with correctional professionals from across the country, strengthening relationships and creating new connections. Nearly 90 contacts were made for follow-up, with strong interest expressed in expanding CPOF’s presence in Virginia, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Many attendees stopped by to rejoin, renew, or learn about the Foundation for the first time, underscoring the importance of visibility at national-level events.

This ACA Conference reinforced the power of presence and consistency—building trust, sharing our mission, and ensuring that the sacrifices of correctional staff are never forgotten. CPOF’s continued participation on this stage keeps the Foundation visible and strengthens our ability to care for our own nationwide.