A corrections officer in an Ohio prison lost his life on Christmas morning after being assaulted by an inmate, according to authorities in Chillicothe, Ohio.
On the morning of the incident, Andrew Lansing, a corrections officer at Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe, tragically lost his life as a result of an inmate assault, according to an official statement from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
“The tragic loss of a staff member is always difficult, but to lose a beloved family member on Christmas Day due to the actions of someone in our custody is truly a tragedy that is hard to comprehend,” expressed department director Annette Chambers-Smith in a heartfelt statement.
Officer Lansing’s dedication was truly extraordinary. Instead of returning home to spend the holiday with his family, he made the ultimate sacrifice. Chambers-Smith expressed the profound impact of this selfless act, acknowledging that their agency will never be the same.
The prison authorities have not yet disclosed any information regarding the alleged assault or the identity of the inmate involved.
The prison is currently operating under restricted movement, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol has taken charge of the investigation.
The department announced that the inmate suspect has been moved to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.
According to sources, Lansing was known as a dedicated and highly regarded employee at the prison. His colleagues held him in high esteem and had a genuine affection for him.
The police department described him as a sociable and approachable officer who treated everyone with respect and maintained a high level of professionalism.