Catastrophic Assistance Story

In an instant, everything can be taken.

For Administrative Assistant Jenny Watashe of Dick Conner Correctional Center in Oklahoma, that moment came in February 2026—when a devastating fire destroyed her home and all of her belongings.

A Sudden Loss

The fire left Jenny with nothing but the clothes on her back.

In a matter of minutes, years of memories, personal belongings, and the comfort of home were gone. The road ahead became one of uncertainty—figuring out how to rebuild, where to begin, and how to move forward.

Answering the Call

When leadership at Dick Conner Correctional Center learned of Jenny’s loss, they quickly reached out for support.

Through that referral, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation stepped in to provide catastrophic assistance—helping to relieve some of the immediate financial burden and offering support during an incredibly difficult time.

While assistance cannot replace what was lost, it can provide something just as meaningful:

A reminder that she is not alone.

A Corrections Family That Shows Up

Jenny’s story is a powerful reflection of what it means to be part of the correctional family.

In moments of crisis, coworkers, leadership, and organizations like CPOF come together—lifting one another up, providing strength, and standing side by side through hardship.

Taking Care of Our Own

At CPOF, we are committed to responding when our own are in need—whether it’s an injury, an illness, or the sudden loss of everything.

Because no one in this profession should have to start over alone.

Moving Forward

As Jenny begins the process of rebuilding her life, she does so with the support of a community that stands behind her.

And that support makes all the difference.

Taking Care of Our Own—when everything changes in an instant.