Category: Catastrophic Assistance
When Crisis Hits, Community Steps In
How CPOF’s Catastrophic Assistance Program Helps Families Keep Going When a medical crisis strikes, the bills arrive faster than answers. The Catastrophic Assistance Program exists for these moments—bridging the gap so correctional families can focus on healing, not hardship. “In Their Own Words” “I want to first express my gratitude for the financial donation you […]
CPOF Catastrophic Assistance Program Supports Officer Mike Tijerina
One of the core missions of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) is to provide direct, meaningful support to correctional professionals in times of personal crisis. Through our Catastrophic Assistance Program, we are able to stand beside members facing sudden medical emergencies, accidents, or other life-altering events—helping to ease the financial burden so they can […]
CPOF Provides Assistance to Teacher Lester Washington After Consecutive House Fires
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) recently had the honor of providing assistance to Teacher Lester Washington of Santa Rosa Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Florida after he endured a devastating and highly unusual tragedy — two house fires in two consecutive days. The first fire occurred on June 24, 2024, followed by a second blaze […]
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Correctional Officer Joseph Knox
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is honored to support the family of Correctional Officer Joseph Michael Knox, who passed away on May 3, 2025, at the age of 42, following a courageous battle with angiosarcoma. Joe served with dedication at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Dix, New Jersey, where he was a valued member […]
CPOF Assists Colorado Lieutenant During Daughter’s Surgery Recovery
At the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, our mission of Taking Care of Our Own is rooted in standing by our correctional professionals during times of personal hardship. One such moment recently arose for Lieutenant Scott Burnett, who serves at Fremont Correctional Facility in Colorado. Lt. Burnett’s daughter, Aspen, faced a significant medical challenge that required […]
Taking Care of Our Own: Supporting Officer Richard Williamson Jr. in His Time of Loss
At the heart of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation’s mission is the unwavering commitment to “Take Care of Our Own.” That promise was once again honored as CPOF provided catastrophic assistance to Correctional Officer Richard Delane Williamson Jr. of Suwannee Correctional Institution (SCI) following the sudden and tragic passing of his beloved son, Richard Delane […]
CPOF Steps In to Support Officer Thomas Wasson After the Loss of His Beloved Wife
When life’s foundations are shaken by tragedy, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) stands ready to lend a hand through its Catastrophic Assistance Program. In late June, Corrections Officer Thomas Wasson of Maryville Treatment Center in Missouri experienced such a loss when his wife, Bonnie Mary Margaret Wasson, passed away on June 24, 2025, at age 43. Thanks […]
Supporting Our Own: Officer Juan Bermudez Ramos Receives Catastrophic Assistance After On-Duty Assault
Correctional Officer III Juan Bermudez Ramos of Maury Correctional Institution in North Carolina was recently referred to the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation’s (CPOF) Catastrophic Assistance Program following a violent on-duty assault. While conducting a routine cell search, Officer Bermudez was attacked after an inmate managed to slip out of his handcuffs. The sudden and unprovoked […]
Standing Strong Together: How CPOF’s Catastrophic Program Supports Officers in Crisis
Every day, correctional professionals across the country put on their uniforms and head into environments that few outside the profession truly understand. Behind the walls, they face physical demands, mental stress, and emotional strain—often without public recognition. At the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF), we understand the weight of that responsibility. That’s why we’re committed […]
In Memory of Stanford “Stan” Lewis Deese, Sr.
October 27, 1961 – April 10, 2025 It is with heartfelt sympathy that we recognize the passing of Stanford “Stan” Deese, Sr., a respected Vocational Teacher and master Electrician with the Florida Department of Corrections, who passed away on April 10, 2025, after a brave battle with cancer. He was 63 years old. Stan’s life […]
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