By Sarah Calams
JASPER COUNTY, Texas — A veteran Texas corrections officer died Tuesday from COVID-19 complications.
KTRE.com reported that Correctional Sergeant Richard Holley, 62, who had been assigned to the Goodman Unit for the last six years, was a 24-year veteran with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He had been hospitalized since July 20.
“He was always happy and encouraging and would get the job done no matter what it took,” Bradley Hutchinson, Senior Warden at the Goodman Unit, said. “He will be remembered not just for his dedication to TDCJ staff, but also for playing Santa Claus in Jasper’s annual Christmas parade. We will miss him dearly at the Goodman Unit.”
A total of 15 TDCJ employees have now died from COVID-19.
“For nearly a quarter century, Richard Holley served the citizens of Texas without hesitation,” Bryan Collier, TDCJ executive director, said. “Now we honor his life and that selfless service. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Holley family and the Goodman Unit family. Sergeant Holley will always be remembered.”