Rhode Island Department of Corrections, Rhode Island
End of Watch: Sunday, March 26, 1995
Age: 64
Tour of Duty: 34 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Heart attack
Date of Incident: March 26, 1995
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Not available
Correctional Officer Ernest Grossguth suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after breaking up a fight between several inmates in the Maximum Security prison.
Officer Grossguth was knocked to the ground while attempting to separate the inmates, but was able to help subdue them. Following the incident he returned to his post in Tower 4, where he was found unresponsive a short time later. Other officers were unable to revive him.
Officer Grossguth had served with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections for 34 years. He was survived by his wife and six children.