On this 15th anniversary of his End of Watch, we pause to honor Correctional Officer Gary Chapin of the Crawford County Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania, whose life of service and sacrifice continues to resonate deeply within the corrections community.

Officer Chapin passed away on November 15, 2010, succumbing to injuries sustained one month earlier after being violently attacked by an inmate during a routine interaction inside the facility. His death is a solemn reminder of the dangers correctional professionals face every day—often without recognition, and always without hesitation.

A Violent Assault That Changed Everything

In October 2010, Officer Chapin was attacked and beaten by an inmate who was in custody on a parole violation. The inmate, angered over something as minor as an unsharpened pencil, launched a sudden and brutal assault.  Officer Chapin suffered a fractured skull, multiple broken ribs, and devastating internal injuries.

He was transported to Wesbury United Methodist Community Hospital, where he remained unconscious from the moment of the assault until his passing one month later.

The inmate was later charged with criminal homicide. In October 2011, a jury found him guilty of manslaughter, and he received a sentence of 2½ to 5 years in prison.

A Career Devoted to Service

Officer Chapin had served with the Crawford County Correctional Facility for nearly four years at the time of the assault. But his commitment to public safety extended far beyond corrections.

Before joining the correctional staff, he served as a police officer with:

• Linesville Police Department

• Jamestown Police Department

• Conneaut Lake Police Department

• West Mead Township Police Department

• Cambridge Springs Police Department

Throughout his distinguished career, Officer Chapin was known for his professionalism, reliability, and unwavering dedication to protecting the people of Crawford County and surrounding communities.

A Family Man, Loved and Remembered

Beyond the badge, Officer Chapin was a beloved husband and father. His family, friends, and colleagues remember him as a steady presence, a caring mentor, and a man who carried great responsibility with humility and strength.

Fifteen years later, his loss is still felt—within his family, his facility, and the law enforcement community he devoted his life to serving.

Honoring His Legacy

As we reflect on Officer Chapin’s sacrifice, we renew our commitment to remembering the men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty. Their stories remind us why our mission matters and why supporting correctional professionals and their families must always remain at the heart of everything we do.

The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation stands with Officer Chapin’s loved ones today and every day, honoring his life, his courage, and his service.

A Call to Remembrance

We invite our members, supporters, and fellow officers to join us in honoring Officer Gary Chapin on this solemn anniversary.
If you have memories or reflections, we welcome you to share them so that his legacy continues to be remembered.

To help us continue honoring fallen officers and supporting their families through our mission of “Taking Care of Our Own,” please consider becoming a CPOF member today.