The Next Generation of Corrections: Why Membership Matters
Building relationships, strengthening the correctional family, and carrying CPOF’s mission into the future. Every correctional professional begins their career somewhere. For some, it starts in a training academy. For others, it begins with their first day inside a correctional institution, probation or parole office, or another essential role supporting the correctional system. Regardless of their […]
Five Years Later: Honoring the Sacrifice and Lasting Legacy of Correctional Officer IV Toamalama “Malama” Scanlan
The passage of California’s Scanlan Bill marks a significant milestone in recognizing and protecting correctional professionals and their families. October 12, 2026 Five years ago today, the correctional community lost a dedicated officer, husband, father, and colleague. On October 12, 2021, Fresno County Sheriff’s Correctional Officer IV Toamalama “Malama” Scanlan passed away from injuries sustained […]
Legacy Friday: Perry Speth—A Bridge Between Generations of Service
Second-generation Correctional Peace Officer Perry Speth has spent more than four decades serving the correctional profession. From the California Youth Authority and CCPOA to the earliest years of CPOF and his current role as Treasurer and National Director, Perry represents a living connection between the Foundation’s founders and the leaders carrying their mission forward. Some […]
CPOF Provides Catastrophic Assistance to CMF Correctional Family
For nearly 21 years, Associate Warden Marlaina Dernocourt has been part of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation family. She has watched CPOF step in to support correctional employees and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. She never imagined that one day, her own family would need that same support. […]
55 Years Later: Remembering Correction Officer Harrison W. Whalen
End of Watch: October 9, 1971 Attica Correctional Facility | New York Fifty-five years ago, on October 9, 1971, Correction Officer Harrison W. Whalen died from injuries sustained during one of the darkest chapters in correctional history. Whalen was 37 years old, a husband and father of two. His death came nearly a month after […]
Remembering Correctional Officer Ronald Levert Richardson
End of Watch: October 7, 1991 On October 7, 1991, Correctional Officer Ronald Levert Richardson of the District of Columbia Department of Corrections was killed in the line of duty at just 36 years old. Officer Richardson had dedicated nine years to a career in corrections when his commitment to doing his job—and his willingness […]
Legacy Friday: William “Bill” Hutto—Building a Legacy of Service
William “Bill” Hutto has spent his life building—stronger correctional systems, safer operations, more connected communities and opportunities for others to serve. Today, as Secretary and a National Director of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, he continues building upon the promise that has guided CPOF for more than four decades: taking care of our own. Some […]
Legacy Friday: Kim Potter-Blair—When Service Become
Legacy Friday continues its recognition of the leaders currently entrusted with carrying CPOF’s mission forward. This week, we recognize Vice-Chair Kim Potter-Blair—a Correctional Officer who rose to statewide executive leadership, a longtime advocate for reentry and professional development, the first woman elected CPOF Vice-Chair, and a leader whose understanding of “Taking Care of Our Own” […]
Remembering Correctional Officer Teresia Wheeler
End of Watch: October 1, 2001 She was 24 years old and only two months into her career. Twenty-five years ago, Correctional Officer Teresia Wheeler was working toward a future in corrections when her life was tragically cut short. On October 1, 2001, Officer Wheeler was participating in required physical training at the Alabama Corrections […]
100 Years Later: Remembering Prison Guard Bryant Whitmore
End of Watch: October 2, 1926 One hundred years ago, Prison Guard Bryant Whitmore made it to safety. Then he turned around. In September 1926, a massive brush fire burned through the hills outside Carson City, Nevada, threatening homes, ranch property and the community itself. Whitmore, a guard at Nevada State Prison, was among those […]
CPO Family Magazine
View current and past issues of the CPO Family Magazine and see the work we’re doing to support our members and their families.
Fallen But Not Forgotten
View the stories of our brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives while fulfilling the duties of their chosen profession.