Category: Line of Duty Death

In Memory of Former Field Representative Sarah Louise Haynes

It is with profound sadness that the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation announces the passing of Sarah Louise Haynes, a former Field Representative and devoted mother of Correctional Case Manager Bonita Haynes, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on August 6, 1996, and honored at PROJECT in 1997. Many within the CPOF family […]

Remembering Correctional Officer Vincent Robert Cannon: 30 Years Later

Arizona State Prison Complex – LewisEnd of Watch: January 1, 2006 Thirty years ago, on the first morning of a new year, the Arizona corrections community lost a dedicated officer, a firefighter, a teammate, and a beloved young man whose life was filled with purpose and promise. Today, three decades later, we honor the memory […]

Remembering Correction Officer Andrew “Andy” Lansing: One Year Later

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and CorrectionEnd of Watch: December 25, 2024 One year ago, on Christmas morning—a day meant for peace, family, and celebration—the Ohio corrections community lost one of its most dedicated public servants: Correction Officer Andrew “Andy” Lansing. Today, we honor his memory, his legacy of service, and the extraordinary life he lived […]

Remembering Correctional Officer Don Wagstaff: 55 Years Later

Utah Department of CorrectionsEnd of Watch: December 23, 1970 Fifty-five years ago, on December 23, 1970, the Utah Department of Corrections—and the corrections profession as a whole—lost Correctional Officer Don “Donald” Wagstaff, a dedicated officer, husband, father, and grandfather. Today, we honor his sacrifice, remember his legacy, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that his […]

Remembering Detention Officer Isaiah Patrick Bias: One Year Later

Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, TexasEnd of Watch: December 16, 2024 One year ago, the law enforcement community lost a remarkable young man, Detention Officer Isaiah Patrick Bias, a 28-year-old protector, artist, brother, and friend. His passing on December 16, 2024, was not only a tragedy for his family and colleagues but for every correctional professional […]

Honoring Master Correction Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall

November 25, 1984 – November 17, 2025 The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation joins the Virginia Department of Corrections and the entire corrections community in mourning the tragic loss of Master Correction Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall, age 40, of Elk Creek, Virginia. Officer Hall passed away on November 17, 2025, following an attack by an inmate […]

“Christmas in Heaven”: A Tribute to Andrew “Big Dawg” Lansing by His Friend and Coworker, Will Wood

Ross Correctional Institution, Ohio This December marks a deeply personal act of remembrance from within the corrections family. Will Wood, a fellow officer and close friend of Andrew “Big Dawg” Lansing of Ross Correctional Institution, wrote and recorded an original song titled “Christmas in Heaven”—a heartfelt musical tribute to honor Andy’s life, legacy, and sacrifice, […]

Remembering Sergeant Scott A. Grimes: 30 Years Later

November 29, 2025 marks 30 years since the tragic line-of-duty death of Arkansas Correctional Sergeant Scott A. Grimes—an officer whose courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to protecting others continues to resonate deeply within the Arkansas Department of Correction and the entire corrections profession. Sergeant Scott Grimes, age 41, lost his life on November 29, 1995, […]

Remembering the Fallen of Menard: Sixty Years Since the 1965 Riot

November 23 marks 60 years since one of the darkest days in the history of Illinois corrections. On November 23, 1965, Lieutenant Lewis M. Paul, Lieutenant Arthur L. Kisro, and Correctional Officer George L. Wilson of the Menard Correctional Center were killed in the line of duty during a violent prison riot that erupted just […]

Remembering Correctional Officer Rodney Foster — 30 Years Later

On November 17, 1995, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department lost Correctional Officer Rodney Foster, a dedicated professional whose life was tragically cut short while performing a routine duty in service to his facility and community. As we mark the 30th anniversary of his End of Watch, we pause to honor his commitment, his sacrifice, and […]