The Philadelphia Department of Prisons recently joined members of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) to honor the memory of former Sergeant Devon Williams and support his family following his tragic death on April 17, 2026.

Sergeant Williams, a 12-year veteran of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, was on his way to work when he was involved in a fatal motorcycle crash in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia. His loss was deeply felt throughout the department and among the many colleagues and friends whose lives he touched during his years of service.

On June 11, former Philadelphia Department of Prisons Warden Michele Farrell presented a check from the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation to Lisa Williams, Sergeant Williams’ mother. The donation reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting correctional professionals and their families during times of tragedy and hardship.

For Lisa Williams, the gesture served as a reminder that her son’s service and impact have not been forgotten.

“This means a lot,” Williams said. “He was loved by a lot of people. Words can’t really describe the emptiness that losing him created. It’s good to know that other people thought about him this way.”

Sergeant Williams was widely respected for his professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the safety and security of both staff and incarcerated individuals. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of his peers and supervisors and built lasting relationships across the Philadelphia Department of Prisons.

Founded in 1984, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation provides financial and emotional support to correctional professionals and their families facing unexpected hardships, including line-of-duty deaths, serious illnesses, natural disasters, fires, and other emergencies. Since 2004, approximately 100 members of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons family have received assistance from the Foundation during some of life’s most difficult moments.

While no donation can ease the pain of such a profound loss, the Foundation remains committed to ensuring that correctional professionals and their families know they are not alone.

The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation extends its continued condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of Sergeant Devon Williams. His service, dedication, and memory will not be forgotten.

To learn more about the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation and its mission of “Taking Care of Our Own,” visit cpof.org.