(BOP) - On Tuesday, May 9, in a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco and Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters remembered the service, dedication and sacrifice of the 26 men and women from the Bureau who lost their lives in the line of duty. Held during Correctional Workers' Week, this was the first in-person memorial service conducted since 2019 and recognizes the contributions, accomplishments and sacrifices of the more than 37,000 employees of the Bureau of Prisons.
In the Spring rain, before a crowd of more than one hundred and fifty, Deputy Attorney General Monaco gave the keynote address. Director Peters provided the commemoration and Shane Fausey, National President Council of Prisons Locals - 33, provided remarks. This year, the ceremony specifically honored eight of the Bureau's 26 fallen heroes who reached significant anniversary milestones.
85 Years Royal C. Cline, USP Alcatraz, End of Watch May 23, 1938
50 Years Wayne L. Selle, USP Leavenworth, End of Watch July 31, 1973
40 Years Gary L. Rowe, MCC San Diego, End of Watch February 7, 1983 Merle E. Clutts, USP Marion, End of Watch October 22, 1983 Robert L. Hoffmann, USP Marion, End of Watch October 22, 1983
15 Years Jose V. Rivera, USP Atwater, End of Watch June 20, 2008
10 Years Eric J. Williams, USP Canaan, End of Watch February 25, 2013 Osvaldo O. Albarati, MDC Guaynabo, End of Watch February 26, 2013
The memorial service was conducted entirely by Bureau of Prisons employees, past and present, with Deputy Director William W. Lothrop as the Master of Ceremonies. Ceremonial honors were performed by the Honor Guard from FCI Cumberland, reflection music was provided on bagpipe by a Supervisory Correctional Systems Specialist from FCI Englewood, and "Taps" was played by a retired Bureau of Prisons Clinical Psychologist. Employees from the Central Office sang the National Anthem, provided the Invocation, and read the names of the 26 Bureau employees killed in the line of duty.
Learn more about the Bureau's fallen heroes, including the eight mentioned above, in the Historical Information area on our public website. View the video of the Memorial Service at the top of this page.