Department releases statement on death of correctional officer while on duty Christmas
On Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction released a statement on the death of a correctional officer while on duty Christmas day.
The statement came from department Director Annette Chambers-Smith and read:
“It is with great sadness that I confirm the tragic death of Correction Officer Andrew Lansing following an inmate assault that occurred at Ross Correctional Institution this morning.
Officer Lansing is a long-time, well-respected employee at Ross, and his untimely death – on Christmas Day – is heartbreaking for his family, the entire Ross Correctional Institution family, and our agency as a whole. Officer Lansing was loved by his colleagues and known to be a great support for his fellow RCI staff. He was a friendly, outgoing officer who treated everyone with respect and was always a professional.
The loss of a staff person is difficult, but to lose a family member on Christmas Day at the hands of someone in our custody is a tragedy beyond comprehension. 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.
We ask that you keep Officer Lansing’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers at this devastating and tragic time.
The Ross Correctional Institution is currently operating under restricted movement, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s investigation is underway. The inmate suspect has been transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.”
On Thursday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags to be lowered in honor of Lansing.
In a statement, officials stated in honor of the life and service of Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Officer Andrew Lansing, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Ross County and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes Tower as well as at all Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction facilities now until sunset on the day of his funeral.
All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio at half-staff at their discretion for the same time period.
This story was originally published December 26, 2024 at 9:17 AM