FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Florida Department of Corrections Honors Fallen at Wakulla CI
Fallen correctional officers and employees during FDC’s annual memorial ceremony

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) Secretary Inch and FDC leadership gathered to honor fallen correctional officers and employees during the annual memorial ceremony at Wakulla Correctional Institution.

“Most people will never know the inherent dangers our staff face every day when they report for duty,” said Secretary Mark S. Inch. “However, we know each name on this memorial represents a hero; a member who took an oath to bravely and selflessly serve our state and died while on duty. Today, we proudly honor them.”

Wardens and staff from respective institutions also joined with the friends and family of seven fallen members of FDC who lost their lives while in service to the state to honor their service and provide a special presentation to the families. Senator Jeff Brandes, Representative Jason Shoaf and staff from Representative Allison Tant’s office were also in attendance.

Staff who passed away in 2020 and were recognized during this year’s event include:

Food Service Director James Helferich, Sumpter C.I.

Chaplain Octavious Tookes, Madison C.I.

Correctional Officer Joseph Foster, Florida Women’s Reception Center

Correctional Officer Johnnie Brown III, Reception and Medical Center

Correctional Officer Ginger Eustice, Taylor C.I.

Correctional Officer Londell Woodbury Jr., Reception and Medical Center

Correctional Officer Sergeant Robert Rogers, Jackson C.I.

Secretary Inch and Deputy Secretary Dixon laid a wreath at the memorial in honor of these staff and the 52 members who have died before them. The names of each individual members will be engraved upon the Fallen Officer Memorial located at the Harry K. Singletary, Jr. Training Center at Wakulla CI.