WASHINGTON — Seven corrections professionals were among the 363 law enforcement officers added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 2026.
Their names were read aloud during the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil held during National Police Week in Washington, D.C.
The annual vigil honors officers who died in the line of duty and serves as one of the most recognized events of National Police Week. The 2026 Roll Call of Heroes included corrections officers and officials from state departments of corrections, county facilities and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The names include 109 officers who died in the line of duty in 2025, along with 254 officers from previous years whose sacrifices were recently verified.
The corrections employees honored represented agencies from California, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia and the federal system.
California parole agent killed inside office
Joshua L. Byrd, a parole agent with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, died on July 17, 2025.
Byrd was shot and killed inside a parole office in Oakland, California. Authorities said the suspect entered the office and opened fire before fleeing the scene. The suspect was later arrested.
California officials described Byrd as a dedicated and brave parole agent.
Kentucky corrections officer killed during inmate transport
Kentucky Department of Corrections Officer George Ramirez died on March 10, 2025.
Ramirez was killed in a crash while transporting an inmate, according to state officials. The crash happened while he was performing official duties for the department.
Following his death, colleagues and state leaders remembered Ramirez for his “integrity and an unwavering commitment to the safety of both our institution and the community.”
Maryland sergeant remembered for decades of service
Sergeant Brenda J. Lowery of the Cecil County Correctional Facility in Maryland died on June 4, 2024.
Lowery served with the facility for more than two decades and was remembered by colleagues as a respected leader and mentor within the agency.
New Jersey deputy keeper honored decades later
Deputy Keeper Joseph Peto of the New Jersey Department of Corrections died on Dec. 2, 1948.
Peto was assaulted by an inmate while assigned to the Rahway State Prison. According to memorial records, he suffered fatal injuries during the attack.
His inclusion in this year’s memorial honors reflects the continuing effort to recognize corrections professionals whose sacrifices were not previously included.
Rhode Island corrections officer remembered
Correctional Officer Richard Carchia of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections died on Dec. 29, 2021.
Carchia contracted COVID-19 while serving at the Adult Correctional Institutions Intake Service Center during the pandemic, according to memorial records.
He was remembered for his dedication to duty during one of the most challenging periods corrections agencies faced nationwide.
Virginia officer killed in prison attack
Virginia Department of Corrections Officer Jeremy L. Hall died on Nov. 17, 2025.
Hall was killed during an attack inside a Virginia correctional facility. Following the incident, authorities announced an inmate had been indicted in connection with the assault.
Hall was described as a family man who often spoke of his wife and daughter, and who showed up for every shift “with a smile, with pride in his work.”
Federal Bureau of Prisons official dies after exposure incident
Marc A. Fischer of the Federal Bureau of Prisons died on Aug. 9, 2024.
Fischer became ill after coming into contact with an unknown substance in facility mail, according to reports. His death highlighted ongoing concerns surrounding hazardous substances and contraband exposure inside correctional institutions.
The officers’ names are now permanently engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., alongside thousands of other officers who died in the line of duty.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund said the annual Candlelight Vigil continues to serve as a reminder of the risks law enforcement professionals — including corrections officers — face in service to their communities every day.
