Ohio Correction Officer Fatally Assaulted on Christmas Day
A veteran correction officer at the Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe, Ohio, was killed on Christmas Day following an assault by an inmate, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC).
Andrew Lansing, a long-time employee described by officials as well-respected and beloved, lost his life in the tragic incident. The ODRC Director, Annette Chambers-Smith, expressed profound sorrow, stating, “It is with great sadness that I confirm the tragic death of Correction Officer Andrew lansing. Officer Lansing is a long-time, well-respected employee at Ross, and his untimely death is heartbreaking for his family, the entire Ross Correctional Institution family, and our agency as a whole.”
Chambers-Smith further described Lansing as “a friendly, outgoing officer who treated everyone with respect and was always a professional.” The loss has deeply impacted both the institution and Lansing’s family. “The loss of a staff person is challenging, but to lose a family member on christmas Day at the hands of someone in our custody is a tragedy beyond comprehension,” Chambers-Smith added. “Instead of going home after his shift to be with his family on this holiday, Officer Lansing made the ultimate sacrifice, and our agency will never be the same.”
Following the assault,the Ross Correctional Institution is currently under restricted movement while the Ohio State Highway Patrol conducts a thorough inquiry. The inmate suspected of the assault has been transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.
The ODRC spokesperson concluded with a plea for support, saying, “We ask that you keep Officer Lansing’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers at this devastating and tragic time.”
This heartbreaking incident underscores the inherent dangers faced by correctional officers daily across the United States. The investigation is ongoing,and further details are expected to be released as they become available.
Interview with Annette chambers-Smith, Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Interviewer: Director Chambers-Smith, thank you for speaking with us today. The tragic death of Correction Officer Andrew Lansing on Christmas Day has shaken the entire state. Can you tell us more about officer Lansing and his service at Ross Correctional Institution?
Director Chambers-Smith: Officer Lansing was a long-time, well-respected employee at Ross. He was known for being friendly, outgoing, and treating everyone with respect. He was a true professional `[1]`. His loss is heartbreaking for his family, the entire Ross Correctional Institution family, and our agency as a whole. `[1]`
Interviewer: This incident occurred on Christmas Day. What impact has it had on the morale of the staff at Ross Correctional Institution?
Director Chambers-smith: The loss of a staff member is always challenging, but to lose a family member on Christmas Day at the hands of someone in our custody is a tragedy beyond comprehension. `[1]` Officer Lansing made the ultimate sacrifice, and our agency will never be the same. `[1]`
Interviewer: Can you provide any details about the examination into officer Lansing’s death?
Director Chambers-Smith: the ohio State Highway Patrol is conducting a thorough investigation. Following the assault, Ross Correctional Institution is currently under restricted movement. The inmate suspected of the assault has been transferred to the Southern Ohio correctional Facility. `[1]`
Interviewer: What message do you have for the public and for the family and loved ones of officer Lansing?
Director Chambers-Smith: We ask that you keep Officer Lansing’s family and loved ones in yoru thoughts and prayers at this devastating and tragic time.`[1]` This heartbreaking incident underscores the inherent dangers faced by correctional officers every day across the United States.
