By Rick Sobey
Boston Herald
BOSTON — A longtime Bay State correction officer died after suffering a medical emergency at his post on Sunday, according to officials who announced the sudden line-of-duty death.
Correction Officer John Edwards was a 28-year veteran of the Department of Correction, and he was assigned to North Central Correctional Institution in Gardner .
Edwards on Sunday morning suffered a medical emergency at his post, and he passed away.
“Today, we mourn the loss of Correction Officer John Edwards, who served the Department of Correction for nearly three decades with unwavering dedication to our public safety mission,” DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins said in a statement.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, and offer them our full support in the difficult days ahead,” Jenkins added. “His service will never be forgotten.”
Following Edwards’ death, the correction officer’s body was escorted from Heywood Hospital in Gardner to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner .
Edwards “dedicated his career to service,” the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union said in a statement.
“He was the consummate professional and his leadership and commitment to his brothers and sisters left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him,” MCOFU added.
“Throughout his career at MCI Concord and NCCI Gardner, John earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues through his unwavering professionalism and dedication,” the union said. “His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him and worked with him. During this incredibly difficult time, we ask that you keep his family and fellow officers in your thoughts and thank you for your support.”
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