About the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation

On Christmas Day, Correction Officer Andrew Lansing was tragically killed in the line of duty while working an overtime shift—volunteering so that his fellow officers could spend the holiday with their families. Officer Lansing was stationed in the guard shack at the center of the prison yard, where staff observe inmate movement, complete reports, and take shelter from the elements.

As a housing unit was released to the dining hall, one inmate veered away from the group and entered the guard shack. In an unprovoked and violent attack, the inmate assaulted Officer Lansing, inflicting severe blunt force trauma to the head along with multiple contusions and lacerations. He was transported to a medical center, where he later died from a fatal brain hemorrhage.

Officer Lansing served the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for over 24 years. He was known and deeply respected for his professionalism, integrity, and quiet selflessness. In May 2025, just months after his passing, he was posthumously named the Ronald C. Marshall Correction Officer of the Year—a fitting tribute to a life of dedicated service.

Officer Lansing’s final act—choosing to work so others could be with their families—speaks volumes about his character. His sacrifice, like his service, will never be forgotten.

On December 16, 2024, Detention Officer Isaiah Bias was tragically killed in the line of duty while escorting an inmate back to his cell. Without warning, the inmate launched a brutal attack—striking Officer Bias in the face and head, knocking him to the ground, and continuing to choke, punch, and kick him. The inmate then walked away, leaving Officer Bias unconscious and gravely injured.

Fellow officers responded immediately, performing lifesaving measures until EMS arrived. Officer Bias was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The inmate has since been charged with capital murder.

Officer Bias served with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office for over six years. His commitment to public service began early, joining the Ellis County Explorers program at age 14, earning his degree from Navarro College, and returning to serve his community as a Detention Officer by the age of 19.

Isaiah Bias is remembered for his heart for service, unwavering dedication, and the courage he brought to work every day. His loss is deeply felt across Ellis County and beyond by all who had the honor to know and serve alongside him.

Senior Officer Specialist Louis Pepe succumbed to complications from injuries sustained during a brutal attack at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York on November 1, 2000. While escorting an inmate awaiting trial for terrorism-related charges, Officer Pepe was ambushed in a calculated and violent assault.

In an effort to disable him, the inmate’s cellmate threw hot sauce into Officer Pepe’s eyes, blinding him. Amid the chaos, the inmate used sharpened makeshift weapons to stab Officer Pepe in the left eye. Both inmates then launched a sustained and vicious attack, lasting over an hour, in a failed attempt to steal his keys and execute an escape plan involving hostages. Despite unimaginable injuries and overwhelming force, Officer Pepe never surrendered his keys—a heroic act that prevented a far greater tragedy.

As a result of the assault, Officer Pepe suffered catastrophic injuries, including blindness, traumatic brain injury, and paralysis. After 2½ years of intensive rehabilitation, he continued life in a wheelchair and required ongoing medical care. Yet through it all, he demonstrated incredible strength, resilience, and unwavering courage.

Officer Pepe served with honor in the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 15 years, retiring in 2014. He is remembered not only for his extraordinary bravery on that tragic day but also for the dignity and perseverance he displayed in the years that followed.

His legacy stands as a powerful reminder of the risks correctional professionals face and the strength of those who stand watch behind the walls.

On September 27, 2024, Major Michelle Quintero gave her life in the line of duty while responding to a natural disaster that threatened her community. As Hurricane Helen bore down on Western North Carolina—triggering a state of emergency and widespread evacuations—Major Quintero was preparing to lead emergency operations at the Madison County Detention Center.

That morning, dressed in uniform and ready to serve, she attempted to reach her patrol vehicle when a nearby dam gave way, releasing a devastating surge of floodwaters, mud, and debris. Major Quintero was swept away and became entangled in fencing. Despite swift rescue efforts, she did not resurface. Her body was recovered once the floodwaters receded.

Major Quintero served the Madison County Sheriff’s Office with distinction for 17 years, ultimately rising to the position of Jail Administrator. She was a certified Deputy and Detention Officer, widely respected for her leadership, dedication, and deep compassion for both her staff and her community.

She ran toward danger when others were urged to flee. Her bravery and selfless sacrifice stand as a powerful testament to her character, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she served and protected.

On August 9, 2024, Supervisory Correctional Services Specialist Marc Fischer tragically lost his life while carrying out his duties in the mailroom at USP Atwater. While processing inmate mail shortly before noon, Supervisor Fischer opened a piece of legal correspondence in the presence of the intended inmate and noted that the contents appeared suspicious and possibly “soaked.” Following protocol, the documents were copied and the originals retained by staff. The inmate grew visibly agitated and returned to his housing unit.

Shortly afterward, while washing his hands, Supervisor Fischer began experiencing sudden disorientation and signs of medical distress. A fellow officer also reported feeling unwell. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Supervisor Fischer requested medical assistance. He was transported by ambulance at 12:21 p.m., but despite the rapid response and best efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced deceased at 2:14 p.m.

Subsequent analysis of the mail confirmed the presence of multiple hazardous substances, including amphetamine, BGD, nicotinamide, and fentanyl—likely absorbed through incidental exposure during mail handling.

Supervisor Fischer’s death is a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers correctional staff face every day, even in the most routine tasks. He served with professionalism, courage, and a deep commitment to institutional safety and integrity. His loss is deeply felt across the federal correctional community and beyond.

We honor his sacrifice and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow officers.

Youth Counselor Corey Proulx tragically lost his life due to injuries sustained during a violent assault while on duty at Lincoln Hills School. On the evening of June 24, 2024, a juvenile resident assaulted another staff member and fled the Kreuger Living Facility. Without hesitation, Counselor Proulx responded to the incident, pursuing the youth in an effort to restore safety and order.

During the encounter, Counselor Proulx was struck multiple times in the head and face, rendering him unconscious. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he was later declared brain dead on June 25, 2024. In his final act of selflessness, his family honored his wishes to donate his organs—saving lives even in death.

Though he served with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for only 15 months, Counselor Proulx made a lasting impact through his compassion, integrity, and deep commitment to the rehabilitation and care of the youth in his charge. His bravery, service, and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

We honor his memory and extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.

On May 31, 2024, Agent Davis Martinez was tragically murdered while conducting a home visit on an individual under parole supervision. After notifying his supervisor of the scheduled visit and failing to return or respond to calls by midday, his colleagues initiated a welfare check.

Responding officers located his vehicle at the residence and traced the sound of his cell phone to a nearby dumpster. Inside the home, authorities made a heartbreaking discovery—Agent Martinez’s body had been brutally beaten, stabbed multiple times, wrapped in plastic, and hidden under a bed. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended the following day and charged with second-degree murder.

Agent Martinez served with the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation for six years and was assigned to the Silver Spring Field Office. He was widely respected for his professionalism, his steadfast dedication to public safety, and his deep commitment to those he served.

His loss is felt deeply across the correctional and law enforcement communities. We honor Agent Martinez’s life, service, and sacrifice—and hold his family, friends, and colleagues in our thoughts.

Task Force Officers Alden Elliott and Samuel Poloche were tragically killed in the line of duty while attempting to serve a felony warrant on a convicted felon. As they approached to carry out the warrant, they were ambushed by the suspect, who opened fire with a high-powered rifle. In the prolonged gun battle that followed, both officers were fatally wounded at the scene. The suspect was also killed during the incident, and two individuals were taken into custody for questioning.

Officers Elliott and Poloche each served with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for 14 years. Assigned to the Special Operations and Intelligence Unit, they displayed extraordinary courage, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to the safety of their fellow officers and the communities they served.

Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by those who protect and serve. We honor their memory, their service, and the legacy of bravery they leave behind.

Task Force Officers Alden Elliott and Samuel Poloche were tragically killed in the line of duty while attempting to serve a felony warrant on a convicted felon. As they approached to carry out the warrant, they were ambushed by the suspect, who opened fire with a high-powered rifle. In the prolonged gun battle that followed, both officers were fatally wounded at the scene. The suspect was also killed during the incident, and two individuals were taken into custody for questioning.

Officers Elliott and Poloche each served with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for 14 years. Assigned to the Special Operations and Intelligence Unit, they displayed extraordinary courage, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to the safety of their fellow officers and the communities they served.

Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by those who protect and serve. We honor their memory, their service, and the legacy of bravery they leave behind.

Lieutenant Rodney Osborne tragically lost his life during a training exercise at the Corrections Training Academy. While participating in a tactical firearms drill, an instructor discharged a live round. Lt. Osborne was struck in the chest, just above his protective vest, and sustained fatal injuries to his ribs and right lung.

Lt. Osborne served the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction with honor and dedication for 13 years. A respected and accomplished professional, he was a proud member of the Honor Guard, the Special Response Team, and the Statewide Special Tactics and Response Team. Just one week before his passing, he was named Employee of the Year—a recognition that reflected his outstanding leadership, service, and character.

Lt. Osborne is remembered for his unwavering commitment to public safety, his professionalism, and the deep respect he showed to his fellow officers. He gave his all—to his work, his peers, and the mission he so deeply believed in. His loss is profoundly felt throughout the correctional community and beyond.

We honor his legacy and sacrifice, and we hold his family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts.

On the evening of February 21, 2024, Deputy Sheriff Charles Rivette was tragically killed in the line of duty while transporting an inmate from Oklahoma to Montgomery County. At approximately 10:30 p.m., the transport vehicle was involved in a collision with the rear of a freightliner truck. Deputy Rivette, seated in the passenger seat, was ejected from the vehicle and fatally struck by an oncoming car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputy Rivette faithfully served the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years, earning the respect of his colleagues and community through his unwavering commitment to public safety. He was known for his integrity, professionalism, and steadfast dedication to duty.

Charles Rivette’s sacrifice will never be forgotten. He leaves behind a legacy of service and a profound impact on all who had the honor of working beside him.

On December 6th, Sergeant Russell Jones suffered a fatal heart attack after being assaulted by an inmate. The inmate was combative, and Sergeant Jones and another officer entered the cell. The inmate punched Sergeant Jones in the mouth and chest. After a brief altercation, the inmate was secured, and Sergeant Jones and the other officer exited the cell.

Sergeant Jones indicated he was hot and needed “some air”, and walked outside to his car. He opened the car door, and immediately collapsed in the parking lot. Life-saving measures were attempted by staff, but Sergeant Jones was unable to be resuscitated.

Detention Sergeant Russell Jones served the Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office for 4 years.