The Michigan Department of Corrections Honor Guard recently attended the Correctional Peace Officers' (CPOF) Memorial in Philadelphia, PA. The detail included Commander John Cordell and members Christianna Borst, Kirk Downs, Petra Lopez, and Brent Mitchell.

The memorial service was held to recognize 15 fallen officers. They included officers killed in the line of duty or in the military in 2006, and past line-of-duty deaths that had not been previously recognized. It was a very solemn tribute that honored the ultimate sacrifice made by these staff and the difficulties faced by those they left behind.

Seventeen honor guard units from throughout the United States attended the ceremony. All units stood in honor behind the families and dignitaries during the service, which was attended by more than 500 people. The experience of a national event was second-to-none for the MDOC detail. It provided a chance for Michigan to compare its honor guard with other state honor guards, and provided national exposure that will benefit the unit in a variety of ways. They hope to make the trip an annual event.

The unit would like to recognize Todd Dunn and Corrections USA (CUSA) for their financial support. CUSA donated lodging, conference registration and meals to help offset the cost to members. Thanks also go out to Guy Vaive and Annie Rae Chevrolet, who donated the use of a 15-passenger van for travel to and from Philadelphia. If you are interested in supporting the honor guard presence at future events with a donation to the Honor Guard Fund, please contact Commander John Cordell at 517-636-6122 or cordeljc@michigan.gov.

Department of Corrections, FYI Newsletter 071207