The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation had the privilege of standing beside the English family of Union Correctional Institution during an incredibly difficult time. This week, I had the honor of presenting an assistance check to Officer Penny English and Officer Christopher English following the heartbreaking loss of their 20-year-old son, Ryan English.

Ryan had recently been diagnosed with seizures and was undergoing extensive testing and treatment in hopes of finding answers. Tragically, on October 19, 2025, Ryan’s sister discovered him unresponsive in the bathtub. Despite every effort, Ryan had passed away.

No family is ever prepared for a loss of this magnitude, and our hearts continue to go out to the English family as they navigate life after this unimaginable tragedy.

The assistance was presented in the presence of Union CI leadership and staff, who came together in support of their coworkers during this painful time. Left to right in the photo:
Classification Supervisor R. Andrews, Assistant Warden K. Tomlinson, Colonel M. Nipper, Officer Penny English, Officer Christopher English, Assistant Warden Dale Hughes, Jim Freeman, and Major J. Davis.

This assistance request was referred by Warden Barry Reddish and Jim Freeman, who notified CPOF of the sudden loss and provided the necessary documentation to ensure timely support. The funeral contract was received on October 21, and assistance was immediately approved.

The English family will remain in our prayers, and we extend our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Ryan. During moments like these, the strength of the corrections community is profoundly evident, and CPOF is honored to play a small part in helping this family during their time of grief.

Please keep the English family in your thoughts and prayers.