During National Corrections Officers and Employees Week 2026, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with correctional professionals across the country to recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism of the men and women who serve behind the walls and beyond them every day.
From memorial ceremonies and facility appreciation events to staff lunches, honor guard presentations, and volunteer outreach, CPOF representatives, National Honor Guard members, volunteers, and board leadership traveled coast to coast throughout the week to ensure correctional staff knew they were seen, appreciated, and supported.
This year’s nationwide presence reflected the very heart of our mission: Taking Care of Our Own.
California
CPOF staff and representatives joined correctional professionals and honored families at the annual California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony, standing alongside members of our National Honor Guard Team and correctional honor guards from across the state.
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by correctional professionals and law enforcement officers who gave their lives in service to others.
Nebraska
Honor Guard Commander Raymond Gonsalves Jr. and Officer Jill Edelman attended the second annual correctional memorial service in Nebraska alongside Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Rob Jeffreys.
The memorial brought correctional professionals together to honor fallen staff members while recognizing the dedication and service of those who continue to serve today.
Florida & Alabama
Senior Field Representative John Kolodziej spent the week traveling throughout facilities in Florida and Alabama, personally thanking correctional staff and sharing the mission of CPOF.
Stops included:
- Baldwin County Jail in Bay Minette, Alabama
- Baldwin County Regional Juvenile Detention Center
- Okaloosa Correctional Institution
- Okaloosa County Jail
- Santa Rosa Correctional Institution
- Escambia County Jail
Throughout the week, Officer Kolodziej met directly with correctional employees, distributed information about CPOF programs and services, and reminded staff that the corrections profession is supported by a national family that stands ready to help in times of tragedy and hardship.
Rhode Island
Secretary and National Director Bill Hutto and National Director Patrick Gallaway joined Honor Guard Lieutenant Robert Dunn, Officers Joseph Garretson and Doug Abbott, Sergeant Howard Dowdell, and members of the Massachusetts and Connecticut Honor Guard Teams during Rhode Island’s annual memorial event.
The memorial held special significance as Providence, Rhode Island will serve as the host city for PROJECT 2000 XXXIX in 2028.
The ceremony highlighted the strength and unity shared among correctional honor guard teams and agencies throughout the Northeast.
South Dakota
Senior Field Representative Guy Edmonds represented CPOF at the South Dakota Law Enforcement Memorial and later visited the South Dakota Women’s Prison during Corrections Week activities.
These visits provided an opportunity to honor fallen heroes while also recognizing the hardworking correctional staff currently serving throughout the state.
Georgia
Georgia Representative Vanessa O’Donnell and CPOF National Director Gary Bell participated in a Georgia Department of Corrections cookout held in recognition of Public Employees and Correctional Officers Week.
The event brought staff members together for food, games, fellowship, and appreciation as correctional professionals gathered to celebrate the important work being done throughout the agency.
During the event, Vanessa addressed staff members to personally thank them for their service and dedication while reminding them of the many ways CPOF stands ready to support correctional professionals and their families through times of hardship and tragedy.
The outreach efforts in Georgia will continue throughout the week, with visits planned in Atlanta and with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice on Friday.
Pennsylvania
Field Representative MJ Wall spent time with correctional staff in Lancaster County during Corrections Week, helping recognize the commitment and professionalism displayed by correctional employees every day.
Across Pennsylvania and beyond, CPOF representatives reinforced the importance of supporting correctional professionals both during times of celebration and times of crisis.
North Carolina
Members of the National Honor Guard Team, including Brian James and Lora Hodges, joined the North Carolina Honor Guard Team during their annual memorial ceremony.
They were joined by Senior Field Representative Laura Matthews, volunteer Rick Matthews, and Senior Deputy Secretary of Special Operations & Intelligence Loris Sutton.
The ceremony served as a moving tribute to fallen correctional professionals while highlighting the strong traditions of honor and remembrance within the corrections profession.
Colorado
Senior Field Representative Guy Edmonds represented CPOF during Colorado memorial events honoring fallen law enforcement and correctional professionals.
The events reflected the deep respect and commitment shared by agencies and organizations that continue to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Massachusetts
CPOF representatives and volunteers will continue Corrections Week outreach efforts in Massachusetts, where staff and supporters will connect with correctional professionals and honor the service and sacrifice of those working throughout the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts has long played an important role within the CPOF family through its strong honor guard presence, memorial participation, and ongoing support of correctional staff nationwide.
Texas
On Friday, CPOF representatives will conclude the week’s nationwide outreach efforts in Texas, continuing the Foundation’s mission of recognizing and supporting correctional professionals across the country.
The visit will provide another opportunity to personally thank staff members for the difficult and often unseen work they perform every day while reinforcing that CPOF remains committed to standing beside correctional professionals and their families during both moments of celebration and times of tragedy.
A National Mission
Throughout Corrections Week 2026, one message remained constant: correctional professionals are never alone.
Whether attending memorial ceremonies, visiting facilities, supporting staff appreciation events, or connecting directly with officers and employees, CPOF representatives carried the Foundation’s mission into institutions and communities across the country.
The week also served as a reminder that correctional professionals face extraordinary challenges every day — often without public recognition — yet continue to serve with courage, resilience, and professionalism.
To every correctional employee, volunteer, honor guard member, family member, and supporter who welcomed us during Corrections Week: thank you.
Your dedication strengthens this profession and inspires our mission each and every day.
Together, we continue Taking Care of Our Own.
