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Fallen Staff Memorial

DOC Staff Fallen in the Line of Duty

Guard Herbert Briggs Guard Herbert Briggs died on February 12, 1934 at the Washington State Penitentiary. Guard Briggs was taken hostage and later murdered by inmates attempting an escape. This incident later became known as the “Lincoln’s Day Massacre.” Guard Briggs is enrolled and honored at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.
Benjamin Marshall, Power Plant Engineer at the Washington State Reformatory Benjamin Marshall, Power Plant Engineer died on April 26, 1951 at the Washington State Reformatory. Marshall was working as a night shift engineer at the facility when two inmates wounded him during an escape attempt. Both inmates, Robert R. Johnson and Luther J. Moore, were found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison for the murder.
Al Gruber, Business Manager at the Washington State Penitentiary Al Gruber, Business Manager at the Washington State Penitentiary died on February 16, 1953 from injuries he received from an inmate-made bomb. The bomb was found on the prison grounds and was delivered to Mr. Gruber. As Mr. Gruber attempted to take the cylinder apart, it exploded. He died from the injuries a week after the explosion.
Lieutenant William S. Warfield Lieutenant William S. Warfield died on November 17, 1970 at the Washington State Penitentiary. Lieutenant Warfield died of a heart attack after an inmate kicked him in the chest while Lt. Warfield was attempting to restrain him. The inmate was sentenced to the death penalty. Lieutenant Warfield is enrolled and honored at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.
Lieutenant Roger Sanders Lieutenant Roger Sanders died on September 1, 1978 from injuries he received during a bomb explosion that occurred on August 11, 1978. The bomb was made by an inmate and placed in the Education Department at the Washington State Penitentiary. Lieutenant Sanders is enrolled and honored at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.
Sergeant William Cross Sergeant William Cross died in the line of duty on June 15, 1979 as he attempted to assist a fellow officer during a prison disturbance at the Washington State Penitentiary. Sergeant Cross is enrolled and honored at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.
Community Corrections Officer Michael Erdahl Community Corrections Officer Michael Erdahl was murdered at his home on May 29, 1985. His home was then destroyed by arson. This crime remains unsolved, however, law enforcement believe that Officer Erdahl’s duties with the Department of Corrections were a factor in the incident. Officer Erdahl is enrolled and honored at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.
Correctional Officer Jayme Biendl Correctional Officer Jayme Biendl was murdered by an inmate January 29, 2011 at Monroe Correctional Complex. Inmate Byron Scherf was found guilty of first–degree murder and sentenced to death. Officer Biendl is enrolled and honored at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.
Correctional Officer Berisford Morse Correctional Officer Berisford Anthony Morse, 65 years of age, died on May 17, 2020 from complications related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officer Morse was a 16-year veteran of the Department, most all of which was served at the Monroe Correctional Complex.
Correctional Officer David Christensen Correctional Officer David Christensen, 62 years of age, died on December 29, 2020 from complications related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officer Christensen served at both Clallam Bay and Stafford Creek corrections centers. He had also previously worked for the Oregon Department of Corrections, Grays Harbor County Jail and Aberdeen Police Department.
Correctional Officer Gabriel Forrest Correctional Officer Gabriel Forrest, 42 years of age, died on June 17, 2021 from complications related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officer Forrest served for 18 years at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center and won the Officer of the Year award in 2018.
Correctional Officer Darryl Goodrich Correctional Officer Darryl Goodrich, 49 years of age, died on August 20, 2021 from complications related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officer Goodrich began work in June 2020 at Stafford Creek Corrections Center and previously worked for three years at the state’s Green Hill School.
Correctional Officer Jay Miller Correctional Officer Jay Miller, 52 years of age, died on February 11, 2023 after a long battle with COVID-19 complications. Officer Miller was a 30 year veteran of the Department. He was first hired at Twin Rivers Correctional Center in Monroe, but worked most of his career at the Washington Corrections Center for Women.