CPOF Honor Guard Stands in Service for a Fallen Brother

When the call comes that one of our own has fallen, the corrections family responds in the only way it knows how—together.

Recently, members of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation Honor Guard traveled to Tennessee to stand in quiet support of the Tennessee Department of Correction family as they honored the life and service of Correctional Officer Dustin Matthew Pedigo, who was killed in the line of duty on February 25, 2026.

The Honor Guard team was joined by Senior Field Representative Laura Matthews, CPOF Board Member Patrick Gallaway, and Emeritus Board Member Don Dease, all of whom came to stand alongside the Tennessee Department of Correction family during this difficult time.

Officer Pedigo, 35, had served with the Tennessee Department of Correction for ten months at the Morgan County Correctional Complex in Wartburg. Though his time in uniform was brief, those who knew him described a man deeply committed to his work and the people around him. He was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology at East Tennessee State University and believed strongly in rehabilitation, trauma-informed care, and reducing recidivism.

More than anything, Dustin was known for the warmth he brought into every room. Friends and coworkers remember his goofy spirit, his compassion, and the way he genuinely cared for others. He loved his family, his animals, and the work he believed could make a difference.

Behind the walls of a correctional facility is a world most people will never fully understand. It is a place where trust in the officer standing beside you is everything. The bonds forged there are strong, built on shared challenges and a commitment to protecting one another.

For correctional officers, the uniform represents more than a job. It represents courage, resilience, and a willingness to step into danger so that others may remain safe. Officer Pedigo embodied that commitment.

Because the services were private, the gathering was an intimate moment for those who served alongside Dustin and those who loved him. Within that space, memories were shared, grief was carried together, and a brother was honored with the dignity and respect his service deserved.

During the service, Board Member Patrick Gallaway addressed those in attendance on behalf of Officer Pedigo’s widow, Bethany “Jade” Bowman-Pedigo, sharing words of appreciation for the overwhelming support shown by the corrections community. His remarks served as a powerful reminder that while the loss is deeply personal for the family, the entire profession stands beside them in their grief.

The presence of the CPOF Honor Guard at these moments reflects one of the most sacred traditions within the corrections profession—to stand watch over our fallen and ensure they are never forgotten.

These ceremonies are not only about mourning loss. They are about recognizing a life lived in service and reaffirming the unbreakable bond shared among those who wear the uniform.

Officer Pedigo leaves behind his wife, Bethany “Jade” Bowman-Pedigo, along with his parents, siblings, extended family, and a corrections family that will carry his memory forward.

The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to Jade for graciously allowing these images to be shared so that the broader corrections community can stand with the Pedigo family in remembrance. Through these photographs, we are reminded that behind every badge is a life, a family, and a story that deserves to be honored.

Correctional officers walk one of the toughest beats in public safety. When one falls, the entire profession feels the loss.

Officer Dustin Pedigo’s name, his service, and his sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Correctional Officer Dustin Matthew Pedigo
End of Watch: February 25, 2026
Tennessee Department of Correction

More photos can be found here: Google Drive provided by Jade