CORCORAN, Calif. — A correctional officer died after suffering a medical emergency while on duty at California State Prison, Corcoran, on Sept. 11, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement.
The officer was identified as 54-year-old Jonathan Lee Townsend, a 23-year veteran of CDCR.
“May Correctional Officer Jonathan Townsend be remembered for his professionalism and selflessness to carry out his duties to protect the people of California,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “Jennifer and I offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues as they mourn his loss. We are eternally grateful for his years of service to the people of California.”
Townsend began his career with CDCR in 2002 after graduating from the academy. He was first assigned to the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad before transferring to California State Prison, Corcoran, the following year.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
On Oct. 11, family, friends and CDCR staff gathered at Hanford Church of Christ to celebrate Townsend’s life and more than two decades of service.
