Published: May 06, 2008 10:48 am            

Correctional officers take time to remember their fallen comrades

By Kelly Young

kyoung@jacksonvilleprogress.com

With solemn hearts and bowed heads, the employees of the Skyview and Hodge Units of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice took some time Monday to recognize the sacrifice made by nine correctional employees across the nation who died in the line of duty in 2007.

A special memorial service was held at the prison Monday afternoon to honor the lives and contributions of all those who have fallen in the service of our nation’s correctional facilities.

“We are here to honor the memory of TDCJ officers and all officers across the nation who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and well-being of others,” said Assistant Warden Richard Morris. “As an agency, we recognize the loss of each employee, and we acknowledge that each is worthy of commendation for courageous and dedicated service.”

Of the nine officers honored at this year’s ceremony, one was an employee of TDCJ. Officer Susan Canfield of the Wynne Unit in Walker County was killed Sept. 24, 2007, as two inmates attempted to escape the facility. She was the 42nd TDCJ employee to fall in the line of duty.

Others honored on Monday were William Hudnall, Pablo Vasquez, Stephen Anderson, Jerome Brewer, Paul Rein, Daniel Thorpe, Laura Whittingham and Elizabeth Franklin — representing correctional agencies in Alabama, California, Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee and Utah. Biographical information on each of 2007’s causalities was read at the service — including family members left behind.

“This is our time as a family of correctional employees to remember our fellow workers who have laid down their lives in the service of preserving safety and security for the people of our state and our nation,” said Senior Warden Todd Foxworth. “It is written in the Bible, ‘Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.’ Those who have fallen have certainly laid down their lives for the benefit of their friends. I want to thank each of you for joining me in this solemn and meaningful occasion as we honor their service and sacrifice.”

The Skyview and Hodge Units, located on FM 2972 in Rusk, hold their memorial service each year as part of National Correctional Officers Week — the first full week in May. This is the eighth year local TDCJ has held the event.

As part of the ceremony, Officer Randy Selman sang “You Raise Me Up” written by Brendan Graham.

“Today’s memorial service serves as a special time set aside for reflection that allows all of us to join together to remember those who are gone from us. We respect and honor each fallen employee, and carry their memories in high esteem for the work they have done and the impact each one has had on the lives of loved ones and coworkers left behind,” Morris said.

        

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