March 18, 2026, marks twelve years since the passing of Jay Lawrence “Larry” Corby—a founding Director of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, a decorated Marine, and a lifelong champion for correctional professionals and their families.

Though twelve years have passed since his death in 2014, Larry’s influence is not something measured in time. It is woven into the very fabric of CPOF and continues to live on in every life the organization touches.

A Life of Service—From Military to Corrections

Born on October 1, 1944, in Berwyn, Illinois, Larry Corby lived a life defined by service.

He first served his country in the United States Marine Corps, completing six years of honorable service, including a tour in Vietnam. That same commitment to duty carried forward into his career in corrections.

In 1969, Larry began his career with the California Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer at Folsom State Prison. Over the next three decades, he rose through the ranks, serving in multiple institutions and leadership roles, including California State Prison, Sacramento, and ultimately at headquarters within the Planning and Construction Division.

As a Captain, Larry played a critical role in shaping the safety of California’s correctional system—overseeing security requirements during the construction of 13 prisons and numerous renovation projects. His work helped ensure that facilities were built with both staff and security in mind, leaving a lasting impact on the profession.

He retired in 2000 after more than 30 years of dedicated service.

A Founder with Vision and Purpose

While Larry’s career in corrections was remarkable, his legacy extends far beyond the walls of any institution.

He was one of the five co-founders of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, serving as a lifelong National Director and helping to build what would become a national lifeline for correctional staff and their families.

Larry didn’t just help create CPOF—he helped shape its heart.

He understood, deeply and personally, the realities of the profession. He knew that behind every uniform was a family, and that when tragedy struck, those families needed more than words—they needed support, compassion, and a community that would stand beside them.

That belief became the driving force behind his work.

The Heart Behind PROJECT 2000

One of Larry’s most profound contributions was his role in the early development of PROJECT 2000—a program that would grow into one of the most meaningful traditions within CPOF.

In 1990, as the organization prepared for its first PROJECT event honoring fallen correctional staff, the loss of Correctional Officer William E. Donaldson brought that mission into sharp focus.

Donaldson left behind a young wife and daughter, Mandy—a child who reminded Larry of his own daughter.

From that moment on, the mission became personal.

The Donaldson family became part of the CPOF family, and Mandy would go on to sing at memorial services year after year. Watching her grow—surrounded by the support of the corrections community—was something Larry held close to his heart.

It was a living reminder of why CPOF existed.

It was never just about honoring the fallen.
It was about standing with those left behind.

A Voice, A Leader, A Legacy

Larry was also known as a passionate writer and advocate—someone who was never afraid to speak up for correctional staff, regardless of how popular his words might be.

He believed in the profession.
He believed in the people who served.
And he believed in doing what was right.

His leadership extended beyond CPOF through his work with the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), where he served on the Executive Council and as State Secretary, continuing to advocate for line staff throughout his career and into retirement.

A Devoted Family Man

Above all else, Larry was a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

He shared 47 years of marriage with his wife, Charleene, and took immense pride in his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Those who knew him best remember not only his leadership, but his kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to the people he loved.

A Legacy That Lives On

Twelve years later, Larry Corby’s legacy is still visible in every corner of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation.

It is in every family we support.
Every memorial we hold.
Every officer we honor.

The organization he helped build has grown, but its mission remains the same—because of leaders like Larry who ensured it would never lose sight of why it exists.

Never Forgotten

Today, we remember a man who gave his life to service—not just in uniform, but in purpose.

A Marine.
A Correctional Captain.
A Founder.
A leader whose vision continues to guide us.

Jay Lawrence “Larry” Corby
October 1, 1944 – March 18, 2014

His legacy lives on in all of us.