Corrections Officer Heroes
Corrections Officer Heroes highlights the dedication and bravery of those who work within correctional facilities. These stories showcase the exceptional actions and commitment of corrections officers who go above and beyond in their duties. This directory provides articles that honor their service, offering inspiration and recognition for their crucial role in maintaining safety and order. To learn more about the challenges faced by these officers, visit our section on Corrections Officer Safety.
Agencies from coast to coast spotlighted the human side of corrections through stories, ceremonies and staff features for National Correctional Officers Week
Proclamations emphasize the vital, often overlooked work of correctional professionals in maintaining security and supporting reentry efforts
K-9 Officer Santonio Catoe, 39, was described as a dedicated officer and devoted father who died doing what he loved
Officer Keith Lynch, an Army veteran and CO for the past 16 years, has expressed interest in an emotional support dog
Michael Tisius, 42, died by lethal injection at 6:10 p.m. for killing two COs during a botched jail escape
Michael Tisius is scheduled to die by injection at the state prison in Bonne Terre for killing Leon Egley and Jason Acton at the Randolph County Jail
The delay comes after Michael Tisius’ lawyers claimed a juror in his 2010 resentencing could not read or write
In his 12 years as a CO, Officer Scott Riner mentored many of the inmates he oversaw and tried to steer them toward productive lives after prison
Michael Tisius was 19 years old when he murdered two Randolph County corrections officers during a botched escape attempt in 2000
When Michael Tisius tried to escape the Randolph County Jail in 2000, he shot and killed corrections officers Jason Acton and Leon Egley
There have been 26 federal correctional officers who have died in the line of duty
The week was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan to acknowledge the courage and heroism it takes to dedicate your life and career to such a role
“The important work of correctional officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves,” President Reagan said in 1984
In addition to his corrections work, reserve officer Joseph Johnson volunteered as a firefighter and contributed to his community as a private security officer
Tarrant County Jail Corporal Aron Iseman was driving when his vehicle left the roadway and rolled several times
“He was just the best. He was just a great police officer who advocated for a safer city that he grew up in,” an officer said
Sheriff Shawn Larsen said he was “proud of everyone’s collaborative efforts, for their quick response and lifesaving actions”
The CO dresses up as iconic figures from the Marvel and Star Wars universes to deliver gifts to children at hospitals
Scott Riner had arrived about 40 minutes early for work when he was gunned down and left to die beside his parked truck
Lawrence Prather, 43, began his career with the New Hampshire Department of Corrections in 2017
Deputy Robert Rensch had originally trained the inmate on how to use the Heimlich maneuver to assist someone when choking
Governor Kay Ivey made surprise visits to two Department of Corrections facilities
CO Chad Ammerman swam 300 yards to save an elderly man in the water near his sinking boat
CDCR COs and staff bring Christmas spirit to children with special needs
Family, co-workers and friends remember Riner for his sense of humor, generosity and dedication to mentoring inmates
Georgia DoC collected gifts for the annual #ClarksChristmasKids program
Newly graduated CO, Joshua Kubel, continues a family tradition of service started by his grandfather
The COs’ work got the man semi-conscious, but he was barely breathing and his lips had turned blue
Kaitlyn Ritnour had served with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Correctional Institutions Division for five months
Matthew Tidman remains on life support and investigators are pursuing criminal charges
Officer Rickey Cooper had served the Easterling Correctional Facility for nearly 15 years
Organizers want campers to learn how “living the right path” can put them in a position of leadership
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