At the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, we often say that once you are part of this profession, you are family for life.

Recently, CPOF had the privilege of standing beside Retired Correctional Officer Debra Shubin, who served at California Men’s Colony, during one of the most difficult seasons of her life.

Debra previously experienced profound loss when her husband, Dan, passed away from pancreatic cancer on February 3, 2013. Like so many in our correctional family, she carried forward with strength, resilience, and faith despite heartbreak.

On September 17, 2025, Debra endured another unimaginable tragedy. Her daughter, Lindsey, just 39 years old, passed away unexpectedly while celebrating her bachelorette party in Hawaii. Lindsey died suddenly of cardiac arrest, leaving her family in shock and grief during what should have been a joyful milestone in her life.

In a heartfelt thank-you card sent to CPOF, Debra shared her gratitude for the support she received during this devastating time. Her words were a reminder that assistance is not simply financial—it is a message that no one in our correctional family stands alone.

Through our Catastrophic Assistance Program, CPOF was able to provide support to Debra during this time of profound loss. When tragedy strikes—whether during active service or long after retirement—our commitment remains the same.

Retirement does not remove someone from the correctional family. Service does not expire. And neither does our promise to stand beside our own.

We ask that you keep Debra and her family in your thoughts as they continue to navigate this heartbreaking loss.

Because this is what family does.

This is what it means to Take Care of Our Own.