March 23, 2026, marks five years since a tragic and senseless act of violence claimed the lives of two dedicated public servants—Nurse Lorena Yanira Schulte and Correctional Officer Robert Levi McFarland—inside the walls of the Anamosa State Penitentiary in Iowa.

On that day in 2021, what began as a routine assignment in the prison infirmary quickly turned into one of the most devastating incidents in corrections history. During a calculated escape attempt, two inmates used deception to gain access to the infirmary, where they brutally attacked Schulte and McFarland with hammers. Despite the chaos and violence, their actions—and the actions of another inmate who attempted to intervene—reflected the unpredictable and dangerous environment correctional professionals face every day.

Five years later, the weight of that loss is still felt deeply—not only by their families and colleagues, but by the entire corrections community across the nation.

A Life of Compassion and Strength: Lorena Schulte

Lorena Schulte dedicated 14 years of her life to the Iowa Department of Corrections, serving as a nurse with a unique and often under-recognized responsibility: caring for patients while also maintaining custody and security within a correctional setting.

Born in San Salvador, El Salvador, Lorena came to the United States as a young girl and built a life rooted in service, education, and family. She earned her degree in criminal justice and later became a registered nurse, combining both disciplines in her work inside the prison system.

Those who knew Lorena remember her as someone full of life—a woman who loved cooking, learning, and nurturing those around her. She had a passion for trying new recipes, a talent for gardening, and a deep love for her family, especially her role as an aunt.

Her presence brought care and humanity into an environment that often requires both strength and compassion in equal measure.

A Life of Service and Brotherhood: Robert McFarland

Robert “Bob” McFarland served 13 years as a Correctional Officer with the Iowa Department of Corrections. But his service did not stop there.

A dedicated public servant, Bob also volunteered as a firefighter and EMT, eventually rising to the rank of 3rd Lieutenant with the Ely Fire Department. Whether behind the walls or responding to emergencies in his community, Bob embodied what it means to serve others.

He was a husband, a father of three sons, and a man deeply devoted to his family. Those closest to him remember his love for technology, his time spent at the fire station—his “second home”—and the joy he found in being surrounded by loved ones.

In every role he held, Bob was known as someone you could count on—a steady presence, a brother in uniform, and a protector in every sense of the word.

A Shared Sacrifice

Though their roles were different, Lorena Schulte and Robert McFarland shared a common mission—to serve within a profession that demands resilience, vigilance, and courage.

Their deaths serve as a sobering reminder that correctional facilities are not immune to violence, and that those who work within them—whether custody staff or medical personnel—face real and present dangers every day.

They also remind us of something deeper: that corrections is not just a profession—it is a family.

Never Forgotten

Five years later, we pause not only to remember how they died, but to honor how they lived.

We remember Lorena’s kindness, her dedication to care, and the warmth she brought to those around her.

We remember Bob’s unwavering service, his commitment to both his profession and his community, and the love he had for his family.

And we remember the bond shared by those who wear the uniform—whether in custody, medical, probation, parole, or support roles—standing together in the face of adversity.

A Lasting Legacy

At the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, we remain committed to honoring the lives of fallen correctional professionals and supporting the families and colleagues they leave behind.

Because behind every name is a story.
Behind every badge is a life of service.
And behind every loss is a family that will never be the same.

Today, and every day, we remember.

Lorena Schulte
Robert McFarland

End of Watch: March 23, 2021

Gone, but never forgotten.