Memorial Wall Dedication

May 9, 2002

The Illinois Department of Corrections' fallen heroes
will never be forgotten.  

On May 9, 2002 , the dedication of the Memorial Wall was held in conjunction with the Correctional Officer of the Year ceremony at the General Office Headquarters in Springfield. The event recognized those employees who made the ultimate sacrifice and the agency's correctional officers who help shape the future of Corrections through their professionalism and leadership.  

Since the Memorial Wall groundbreaking ceremony a year ago, four granite blocks listing the names of IDOC's 30 fallen heroes have been erected as well as a fountain. The Memorial Wall and its assistance to families of employees who were killed or suffered permanent disability in the line of duty are funded through the nonprofit Illinois Correctional Employee Memorial Association (ICEMA).  

Dignitaries, agency staff and about 50 family members of IDOC's fallen heroes attended the dedication ceremony to pay remembrance, honor and recognition. As part of the ceremony, the first ICEMA college scholarship of $10,000 was awarded to Katrina Sheneise Washington of Joliet in memory of the service, dedication and sacrifice made by her father, IYC-Joliet Supervisor Henry B. Washington, who died in 1986.  

Katrina's mother, Lucy Washington, accepted the scholarship on Katrina's behalf, noting that her daughter is an inspiring student and is majoring in biology with an emphasis in pre-med.  

Dignitaries attending the ceremony paid tribute and honor by extending their sincere condolences to the family members and commended ICEMA for making the Corrections memorial a reality.  

In recognizing IDOC's fallen comrades, their names were read while Honor Guard members gave a humble salute. Traditional ceremonial rites including the Laying of the Wreath, 21-Gun Salute and the Sounding of Taps also were conducted as a formal expression of sympathy and honor.  

In closing…   There may be no greater tribute to our fallen comrades than to continue to work together and protect each other by doing our jobs with precision, vigor and dedication. Each correctional officer now has the power, pride and comfort to know that they are a part of this effort and that they can have a positive impact on our Corrections community.   With condolences and prayers to the families of IDOC's fallen heroes…  

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