Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was a rookie Correctional Officer but back then we were called Guards. I worked with Captain Virdeen Willis, Jr. and went through the 1975 riot at the Old Joliet Prison on Collins Street with him. Virdeen was a brave hero of a man you could look up to. Virdeen set an exemplary example of what a Correctional Officer should be through his self-discipline, analytical skills, teamwork, problem-solving skills, observational skills, dedication, impartiality, decisiveness, selflessness, and negotiation skills, Virdeen was well respected by officers and inmates alike. Its been 50 years that have passed since that riot. But in my mind its still like yesterday. I still remember Captain Willis as calm as always approaching me on the East Yard. At which time He gave me the order to take the inmates and drop them off at the East Cell House where they will be secured and for me to report in front of the West Cell House where there is a full scale riot with civilian and corrections staff being held as hostages. Then all hell broke out. But this was just another day in the career of corrections employees. I remember the man larger then life Captain Willis. That was the man I knew and will never forget. Thank for your service Captain Willis and God bless you and your family members.

Correctional Officer Steve Seliga
IDOC Joliet Correctional Center (Retired)

January 14, 2024

Justice somehow eluded your assailant here on earth but he will surely face a higher authority and higher form of justice one day. Thank you for your service and please know that sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 30, 2020

To all those claiming that the courts failed you are wrong. You want to hear the real injustice? Its this: the State’s Attorney has affidavits from Robert Langford that he killed Warden Willis and they refuse to investigate. And further Langford was free to kill the warden and others because the States Attorney office framed others for a murder they knew he committed. Had they prosecuted Langford as they should have he would not have been free to murder Warden Willis.

US Citizen, Employer of public servants

May 13, 2018

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 4, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 17, 2012

Rest in Peace, Assistant Warden Willis. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 3, 2012

This sounds like such an injustice to Assistant Warden Willis' family and all of law enforcement! Our American court systems are a pitiful disgrace! Thank you, sir, for your dedication to the citizens of Illinois and for your brave service.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

April 19, 2008

WARDEN WILLIS,

JESUS IS BUILDING AN ARMY TO COMBAT ALL THOSE WHO CHOSE TO BE EVIL.

I AM SURE THAT YOU WILL HAVE YOUR CHANCE TO MEET YOUR ASSAILANT ON SOLID GROUND, WITH THE THE LORD LEADING YOU, I AM POSITVE THAT YOU WILL FIND JUSTICE AND GLORY!!!!!!

MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOUR FAMILY!!!!!!!

DEPUTY MORRISON
MCSD

February 14, 2008

I last saw Verdeen two days before he died. He was a legendary leader and role model for correctional professionals.

What the "suspect" information doesn't include is that the shooter had previously been convicted of a murder in the late 60's, had a death sentence commuted in 1972, and was paroled after a long, active gang involved term in IDOC.

There is no justice in this case.

Doug Wombacher
BOP

August 24, 2007

Where is the outrage ? Where are the protests ? It NEVER happens when a cop is killed and his killer goes free.
God Bless you Warden. One day, God will make the RIGHT judgement.

Rest In Peace, sir.

Sarge

September 29, 2006

Earthly justice avoided but He will see that His Justice will be done.Rest in Peace Sir, knowing this.

June 30, 2006

MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE!!

February 16, 2005

I just read Asst. Warden Willis' reflection and I have to say the same thing the previous person said in a reflection-how can someone who's been convicted twice of the same crime have his sentence reversed? It really makes you wonder about our justice sytem. Mr. Willis, thank you for your service to the citizens of the State of Illinois.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

January 23, 2005

Viewed this officers death & could not believe the suspect who killed this officer was released"""" This court system is still you know what. This isn't the first COP KILLER RELEASED. Its not right.

Off Wright /Retired/ served 36 years
Balto County Police

December 20, 2004

rest in peace...

skip roberson

August 28, 2004