by – Colorado and South Dakota Field Representative Guy Edmonds

Each representative has their own story to tell. Most, if not all, of us, have a history in corrections. This leads us to have a unique perspective of what may transpire in a variety of events.

We must learn how to handle many different situations. Our responses will reflect on the Foundation. When we learn of someone needing assistance, we only need the basic information. A name and contact number will suffice. It helps if we know what the situation may be, but it is not imperative to know beforehand. When we contact them, a simple introduction is usually required. “Hello, my name is, and I am a representative for CPOF.  I understand you may be going through a tough time or a catastrophic event. Can you explain to me what you are going through? I will see if it is something we may be able to assist with.”

If we believe it fits within the guidelines of assistance we can provide, we will continue with the application process and then inform them of the supporting documents we need. Once we have compiled all the information, we will send it to our respective coordinator for review and presentation for approval. I try to give a narrative of the history with the individual and what my conversation with them has allowed me to discover about what they are experiencing. This would be the possibility of traveling for care, having to stay in an area for prolonged times for treatment or care, etc.

Recently, I had this conversation with Correctional Officer Jason Shillibeer at Centennial Correctional Facility. He had an extreme medical condition which caused him to be off work from June 30, 2024, until November 2, 2024. During this period, he underwent several surgeries to treat his condition. Being off work for an extended period of time while battling health issues was difficult for Officer Shillibeer and his young family. The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation catastrophic assistance program was there to help him and his family ease some of the burdens during this difficult time.

While this interaction may seem small, it makes a profound difference in the lives of others. Officer Shillibeer and his wife shared their appreciation with CPOF. Knowing that as a representative I play a role in making a difference in their lives made it all worth it.

Another aspect of being a field representative is sharing what CPOF does by giving presentations to prospective new members. This includes new correctional staff just joining the field and those that may have been in the department for some time and just never heard of what we do.  I enjoy sharing with them that if they ever experience a situation that requires our assistance, I will be there as a familiar face to guide and assist them. Either through the application process or my delivering an assistance packet to them. This allows me the benefit of getting to sit down with them and listen to what they are going through. Many times, this leads to discussions about departmental policy or the lack of contact they may have with supervisors or co-workers if they are away from work for a period of time. Some cases allow us to also meet with the families and learn a little more about their history and how the situation has affected them. To me this is the most beneficial part of the job……just being there to listen and empathize with them.

The hardest part of the job is when one of our own is killed in the Line of Duty. It is a phone call none of us want. As a field representative, we become the catalyst of support for the family. We offer them support, and guidance, while representing their correctional family.  When offering support these families during the darkest period of their lives, we develop lifelong friendships that never fade and welcome them into our family forever.

On September 29, 2023, Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval was struck and killed by a suspect’s car while she and her partners were issuing an arrest warrant.  As the field representative in Colorado, I had the honor to be of assistance to the family in any way they needed. Her husband and two children’s well-being were my top priority.  This is never an easy task, but being able to provide solace and peace during a time of devastation is a big part of why I do what I do.  I will never forget the looks on the faces of her children as she was laid to rest. I will never understand why the choices were made that resulted in her death. I will always be there for the Sandoval family in the same way I am there for my family.

Being a representative for CPOF is not for everyone.

All in all, you must have dedication, knowledge, a history of support, and a passion for being a representative. We have been taught and shown over our tenure with the foundation that caring for others is not only a saying but also a way of life. With advancements in technology, this position is a full-time commitment. Unfortunately, prisons and jails do not have business hours and phones and computers allow us to be available any time of day or night.

There is nothing more satisfying than being someone who is recognized as being able to make others feel important and valued. This also carries over to our families as we want them to learn care and compassion for others.

Being a representative is not a job; it is a way of life.

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“Thank you, so much! We really appreciate you and everything you do for Officers in need. You
have really gone out of your way to help my family and I through this rough time and we cannot
thank you enough. If you ever need anything from me/us, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
This is huge! Thanks again and Happy Holidays!”
Jason Shillibeer

Good afternoon. I wanted to reach out and thank you again. Alice and I are so very grateful for
everything you have done for us! We received a gift for Ashtyn. Again, thank you so much!

We wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year!
The Shillibeer Family