Correctional Officer Joseph B. Waldrupe

Correctional Officer Joseph B. Waldrupe

United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Government

End of Watch Saturday, November 16, 1901

Joseph B. Waldrupe

Correctional Officer Joseph Waldrupe succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained several days earlier during an attack by inmates while supervising a crew building the new United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas.

One of the inmates had located a gun hidden by a former inmate and fired at the guard box containing Officer Waldrupe.

Officer Waldrupe was able to return fire, killing the suspect, but was struck by one last round fired by the man. Although critically wounded, Officer Waldrupe fought off several other inmates who were attempted to gain control to the guard box.

Officer Waldrupe had served with the Federal Bureau of Prison for one year. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 1 year
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Kansas
Incident Date Thursday, November 7, 1901
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Not available

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

Rest in Peace

I ask one thing - that in still, far-off days,
Someone who knew me should in their daily rounds,
Suddenly pause, caught by some sight or sound,
Some glance, some phrase, some trick of memory's ways
which brings me to mind, then I shall wait,
eager with hope, perhaps to hear -
“how great if he were with us still!”
And then at the end, all that I wish for is just -
“he was my friend!”

From “A Soldier's Epitaph” by David McNicholl

N Elias
Federal Law Enforcement Officer, USDOJ
Former Security Police Officer, USAF

May 28, 2017