Honoring the veterans whose dedication to service helped shape the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation
For many who have served in the United States Armed Forces, the commitment to protecting others continues long after military service concludes. For countless men and women, that commitment carries into the nation’s correctional institutions.
The military and corrections share familiar values: discipline, courage, teamwork, accountability and a willingness to stand beside others in difficult circumstances.
Throughout the history of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF), that connection has been especially meaningful. From the veterans who helped establish the Foundation in 1984 to those guiding its mission today, military service has been woven into CPOF’s story.
A Foundation Built on Service
In the early 1980s, five correctional professionals at Folsom State Prison came together with a shared vision. Glenn Mueller, Larry Corby, Don Novey, Richard “Dick” Waldo and Salvador “Sal” Osuna believed that families of correctional professionals who died in the line of duty deserved compassion and support.
Their determination led to CPOF’s establishment in 1984. Among the five founders were four military veterans whose commitment to service began long before the Foundation existed.
Glenn Mueller, CPOF’s founding Chairman, served in the United States Marine Corps before beginning his correctional career at Folsom State Prison in 1968. He later became a Warden and spent decades advocating for correctional professionals and their families, helping transform CPOF into a national organization.
Fellow founder Jay Lawrence “Larry” Corby was also a Marine and decorated Vietnam veteran who later retired as a Correctional Captain. His dedication to preserving history and honoring sacrifice helped shape CPOF’s publications and traditions of remembrance.
Don Novey served in the United States Army, including military intelligence service in Germany, before becoming a Correctional Lieutenant and influential advocate for correctional officers. His leadership reflected a commitment to improving conditions and protecting those who served.
Richard “Dick” Waldo served in the United States Navy before entering corrections with the California Youth Authority. As a founding Director and longtime Treasurer, his financial stewardship helped ensure CPOF could fulfill its promises to families facing tragedy.
Together with Sal Osuna, these men built an organization founded on the belief that service creates a lasting responsibility to one another.
A Legacy That Continues
The connection between military service and CPOF leadership extended beyond its founders.
James “Jim” Brown, a former National Director and Treasurer, served in the United States Army before beginning his correctional career at Folsom State Prison in 1970. Following 32 years in corrections, Jim continued serving the profession by preserving Folsom’s history and the stories of those who worked there.
Today, that tradition continues through Gary Bell, a current CPOF National Director, and Gary Evans and Guy Edmonds, who are both CPOF Senior Field Representatives. Gary Bell began his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections in 2002 while serving as an Infantryman in the Georgia Army National Guard. In 2005, he completed a combat tour in Iraq. Gary Evans spent 8 years in the Army/National Guard prior to beginning a career with the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and Guy Edmonds served 3 ½ years in the Army preceding his 25-year stint with the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Different generations, military branches and correctional careers connect these men through a shared dedication to service that continued beyond their military obligations.
Extending beyond our founders and field representatives, military service is also found in our home office and in our National Honor Guard team.
Office Clerk – Tobiyah Yisrael
Former Commander – Steve Dizmon
Assistant Commander – Angela Lujan
Lieutenant Robert Dunn
Sergeant Howard Dowdell
Sergeant Michael Hire
Officer Douglas Abbott
Officer David Edelman
Officer Tommy Ewell
Officer Brian James
Officer Antonio Perez
Officer Sergio Perez
Officer Steve Perrine
The Commitment Beyond the Uniform
Across the country, veterans serve as Correctional Officers, Detention Deputies, Probation and Parole Officers, supervisors and agency leaders. Some enter corrections after military service, while others continue serving in the National Guard or Reserves.
Although their responsibilities differ, both professions demand trust, sound judgment and the ability to depend upon colleagues in challenging circumstances. Both create lasting bonds among those who serve.
For CPOF’s founders, those bonds helped inspire a promise that remains central to the Foundation’s mission: Taking Care of Our Own.
They understood that behind every uniform is a person, and behind that person is a family.