End of Watch: August 30, 1981

Forty-five years ago, Correctional Officer Gerald Peter Magee reported for duty at the New Mexico State Penitentiary. Before the early morning hours were over, he would make the ultimate sacrifice.

Today, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation remembers Officer Magee, honors his courage, and ensures that his name and service are not forgotten.

A Life of Public Service

Before joining the New Mexico Corrections Department, Officer Magee served his community in Ohio as a police officer with the Newton Township and Newton Falls Police Departments.

He later brought that experience and commitment to New Mexico, beginning a new chapter of public service as a correctional officer. At the time of his death, the 35-year-old officer had served with the New Mexico Corrections Department for approximately 14 months.

His time with the department was tragically brief, but the length of his service cannot measure the courage required to enter a correctional institution each day or the difference made by someone willing to accept that responsibility.

The Events of August 30, 1981

At approximately 1:30 a.m., Officer Magee and two fellow correctional officers were taken hostage by incarcerated individuals attempting to escape from the New Mexico State Penitentiary.

The group was armed with two handguns and handmade knives. Negotiations continued for approximately three and a half hours as prison officials refused demands to provide vehicles for an escape.

Officer Magee was taken into Cellblock 6, where he was stabbed multiple times and beaten with blunt instruments. He died from his wounds.

At approximately 5 a.m., the incarcerated individuals released the two other officers, surrendered their weapons, and ended the takeover. No one escaped from the institution.

Three individuals were subsequently charged in connection with Officer Magee’s murder. The charges against one were dismissed, and the remaining two were acquitted. For Officer Magee’s loved ones, the absence of a conviction compounded an already devastating loss.

Remembering the Person Behind the Uniform

Historical accounts preserve the facts of what happened that morning, but Officer Magee’s life was far greater than the circumstances of his death.

He was a son, relative, friend, colleague, police officer, and correctional officer. He was a man who chose a life of public service in two different states and accepted the responsibilities and dangers that accompanied that calling.

Decades later, members of his family have shared how profoundly his death affected those who loved him. Their grief—and the lasting pain created by the outcome of the criminal proceedings—reminds us that a line-of-duty death does not end when the ceremonies conclude. Its effects continue through families and across generations.

Forty-Five Years Later

Much has changed in corrections since 1981, but the dangers faced by correctional professionals and the importance of remembering the fallen remain.

Anniversaries such as this allow us to pause and speak an officer’s name again. They remind today’s correctional professionals that the sacrifices of those who came before them remain part of the history of the profession.

On the 45th anniversary of his End of Watch, we remember Correctional Officer Gerald Peter Magee for his service, his courage, and the life he lived before it was taken.

To his family, former colleagues, and the New Mexico correctional community: we remember with you.

Correctional Officer Gerald Peter Magee
New Mexico Corrections Department
End of Watch: August 30, 1981

Rest in peace, Officer Magee. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.