On September 8, 2026, an electrical fire left Associate Warden of Programs Mary White of Dan River Prison Work Farm in North Carolina facing a devastating loss. Mary, who has two 14-year-old children, lost everything in the fire.

In the aftermath, Mary reached out to the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation to request financial assistance. With the loss of their belongings, the family faces the difficult task of replacing necessities and rebuilding their daily lives.

Catastrophic events can change a family’s circumstances in an instant. For correctional employees facing such emergencies, knowing where to turn for support can be an important first step.

CPOF’s catastrophic assistance program exists to help eligible correctional employees and their families during times of serious hardship. The support of our members makes this mission possible and helps us respond when members of our correctional community need assistance.

We keep Mary and her children in our thoughts as they navigate the aftermath of the fire.

Taking Care of Our Own.