Correction Officer John Edwards, a 28-year veteran of the Massachusetts Department of Correction assigned to the North Central Correctional Institution in Gardner, died Sunday after suffering a medical emergency while on duty. The department has classified his passing as a line-of-duty death and has not disclosed a cause. His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from top corrections officials and union leaders.
Officials And Union Offer Condolences
The Cumberland Police Department shared the Department of Correction's announcement on its Facebook page, stating that Edwards suffered a medical emergency at his post and later passed away, as posted by the Cumberland Police Department. The post relayed the department's tribute and extended condolences to Edwards' family, friends and colleagues across the system.
Department, Union Statements
Commissioner Shawn Jenkins noted that Edwards had served the department for nearly three decades and offered the agency's deepest condolences to his family, friends and coworkers, according to The Boston Globe. The Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union described Edwards as "the consummate professional" and praised his leadership, reliability and commitment, the Globe reported.
About North Central Correctional Institution
Edwards was assigned to North Central Correctional Institution in Gardner, a medium/minimum-security state prison. The facility has multiple housing buildings and holds several hundred people in custody, per Wikipedia.
No further details were immediately available about the cause of Edwards' death or funeral arrangements. Officials said they would provide updates as they become available.
