The Story of Challenge Coins: Tradition, Honor, and Brotherhood
A Legacy Born in Service The tradition of the challenge coin is believed to date back to World War I. According to one of the most widely shared stories, a wealthy officer had bronze medallions struck with his unit’s insignia and presented them to his men as a sign of unity. One soldier carried his […]
What “End of Watch” Means
In law enforcement and corrections, the phrase End of Watch (EOW) is used to mark the day an officer has fallen in the line of duty. It is more than a date. It is a solemn reminder of sacrifice, of service given to the very end, and of a life dedicated to protecting others. EOW […]
CPOF Provides Catastrophic Assistance to Master Sergeant Sonya Carter
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) recently provided catastrophic assistance to Master Sergeant Sonya Carter, a supporting member from David Wade Correctional Center (Louisiana), after she was displaced from her home due to a fire on July 10, 2025. The fire caused significant damage to the vinyl siding of her front porch, as well as […]
CPOF Assists Family of DJJ Lieutenant Tawaski King
On behalf of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF), Vanessa O’Donnell had the honor of joining co-representative Rose Williams in presenting a catastrophic assistance check to Mrs. Takelia King, the widow of DJJ Lieutenant Tawaski Kentez King. The presentation took place at Eastman YDC, where they were joined by Mrs. King’s daughter, Takeria, and Mrs. […]
CPOF Provides Catastrophic Assistance to Family of Officer Lavell Sanders, Jr.
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Correctional Officer Lavell Sanders, Jr., who passed away on August 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with stage 4 gastric cancer. Officer Sanders began his state service in November 2018 with the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) at […]
Supporting Officer Antonio Anderson and His Family
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) exists for one purpose: Taking Care of Our Own. Through our Catastrophic Assistance Program, we step forward to support correctional professionals and their families in times of sudden and overwhelming hardship. Recently, we were called upon to assist Assistant Supervisor of Education (ASOE) Antonio Anderson of FCC Forrest City […]
A Grateful Acknowledgment from the Office of the Warden
At the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF), we are continually reminded of the profound impact our Honor Guard makes—not only upon the families we serve, but also within the correctional community as a whole. Recently, we received a heartfelt letter from Christopher Edelen, Warden, addressed to Honor Guard member Bill Stanahan, that captures the essence […]
CPOF Leaders and Honor Guard Stand Together at Attica
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) was honored to stand in unity at this year’s Attica memorial, ensuring that the victims of the 1971 uprising continue to be remembered with the dignity and respect they deserve. Representing the Foundation were Treasurer Perry Speth, Secretary Chevi Amrein, Director Bill Hutto, Director Patrick Gallaway, and Interim CEO […]
Honoring the Forgotten Victims of Attica
More than five decades have passed since the Attica uprising of 1971, yet the memory of those who suffered and the staff who lost their lives continues to weigh heavily on our nation’s correctional family. At the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF), we have remained steadfast in our commitment to the forgotten victims of Attica […]
1971: A Year That Shaped Corrections – San Quentin & Attica
The year 1971 was one of the darkest in American correctional history. Within just three weeks, two events shook the profession to its core: the Deadliest Day in San Quentin’s history on August 21 and the Attica Prison Riot that began September 9. These tragedies claimed the lives of brave correctional staff, forever changed the […]
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.