Category: Line of Duty Death
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 […]
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 […]
Remembering Corrections Sergeant Timothy Parsley
End of Watch: October 1, 1996 Thirty years ago, the Texas corrections community lost Corrections Sergeant Timothy Parsley in the line of duty. On October 1, 1996, Sergeant Parsley suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after responding to several disturbances while serving with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the Gib Lewis Unit. He […]
Remembering Corporal Robert Eugene Ransom
End of Watch: September 30, 2016 Ten years ago, Corporal Robert Eugene Ransom gave his life while doing what those who knew him said came naturally—helping someone else. On September 30, 2016, staff at the Marvin A. Smith Criminal Justice Facility in Gregg County, Texas, responded to a medical emergency involving an inmate. As fellow […]
Remembering Corrections Officer I David Michael Weaver
End of Watch: September 26, 2016 Ten years have passed since the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections lost Corrections Officer I David Michael Weaver following a tragic accident in the line of duty. On September 17, 2016, Officer Weaver was supervising inmates in the outdoor recreation yard at State Correctional Institution Graterford. While attempting to avoid […]
Remembering U.S. Probation Officer Thomas Eric Gahl 40 Years Later
United States Probation Office — Southern District of Indiana End of Watch: September 22, 1986 Forty years ago, U.S. Probation Officer Thomas Eric Gahl left his Indianapolis office to conduct what should have been a routine home contact. He never returned. On September 22, 1986, Officer Gahl was visiting the residence of a recently released […]
Attica at 55: Remembering the Correctional Staff Who Never Came Home
In September 1971, 11 members of the Attica correctional family went to work and never returned home. They were correction officers, supervisors, industrial employees and account clerks. They held different responsibilities inside Attica Correctional Facility, but each played a role in keeping the institution operating. Beyond the walls, they were husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, veterans, […]
55 Years Later: Remembering Correctional Officer William “Billy” Quinn
On September 11, 2026, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation solemnly marks the 55th anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Correctional Officer William “Billy” Edward Quinn. Officer Quinn’s death became the first staff loss associated with the violence at Attica Correctional Facility in September 1971. Yet his legacy is far greater than the circumstances surrounding his […]
10 Years Later: Remembering Correctional Officer Kenneth Levella Bettis
On September 16, 2026, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation marks the 10th anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Correctional Officer Kenneth Levella Bettis. Officer Bettis served at William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama. His colleagues knew him as a firm but fair officer who was deeply respected for his work ethic and dedication […]