On May 1, 2026, history was made at the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial.

For the first time, correctional professionals who lost their lives in the line of duty were formally recognized alongside their law enforcement counterparts. In a powerful and long-overdue moment, the Colorado Corrections professionals added to the memorial stood as a permanent reminder that service and sacrifice extend far beyond the traditional view of law enforcement.

This meaningful milestone brought together members of the corrections community, families of the fallen, and those who have long advocated for this recognition.

Representing the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) at the ceremony was Board Chair Chevi Amrein, joined by Senior Field Representative Guy Edmonds and his wife Connie, Volunteer Field Representative Bridgett Bolinger and her husband Randy, along with dedicated members of the CPOF National Honor Guard Team.

Their presence reflected the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no correctional professional—and no family—stands alone.

A Legacy Carried Forward

The names added to the memorial represent decades of sacrifice, with End of Watch dates spanning from 1899 to 2019. Many of these individuals had already been honored through CPOF’s annual PROJECT 2000, where their stories were shared, their families supported, and their legacies preserved.

Among them are:

• Sergeant Eric Autobee, killed in an unprovoked attack while serving at Limon Correctional Facility
• Sergeant Mary Ricard, who gave her life protecting others during a violent assault at the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility
• Sergeant Joshua Voth, lost in a tragic boiler explosion at Fremont Correctional Facility

Each name carries a story of courage, commitment, and sacrifice. Each one represents a family forever changed.

For families like the Ricards, moments like this are deeply personal. The recognition is not just about a name etched in stone—it is about ensuring their loved one’s service is seen, honored, and remembered.

Standing Together in Remembrance

The ceremony also provided an opportunity for connection—between agencies, between generations, and between those who understand the weight of the profession.

Photos from the day capture these moments:

• The Ricard family, whose strength continues to inspire
• Deputy Director Mark Fairbairn, alongside CPOF representatives and Guy Edmonds
• Board Chair Chevi Amrein standing with the Colorado Honor Guard, Guy Edmonds, and Connie Edmonds

These images tell a story of unity, respect, and shared purpose.

Taking Care of Our Own

For the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, this moment reflects the heart of our mission.

For decades, corrections professionals were not included in memorials like this one. Yet their risks, their sacrifices, and their losses have always been real.

To see these names now permanently recognized is a powerful step forward—not only for Colorado, but for the profession as a whole.

We remain committed to honoring the fallen, supporting their families, and ensuring their legacies live on.

Because at CPOF, we will always stand by our promise:

Taking Care of Our Own.