Rhode Island Department of Corrections, Rhode Island
End of Watch Monday, December 14, 2020
Add to My HeroesRussell K. Freeman
Lieutenant Russell Freeman died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 during an outbreak amongst employees and inmates at the Gloria McDonald Women’s Facility.
Lieutenant Freeman had served with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections for 29 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.
The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement
Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.
Corrections agencies, in particular, suffered tremendous losses due to the constant and close proximity between the corrections officers and large inmate populations. Since March 2020, ODMP has verified that over 600 law enforcement officers have died as the result of a confirmed or presumed exposure while on duty and continues to work with hundreds of other agencies that have suffered a COVID-related death.
Visit ODMP's COVID-19 memorial listing every officer who has died as a result of a confirmed or presumed exposure.
Bio
- Age 52
- Tour 29 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 62 ReflectionsLieutenant Freeman. Rest In Peace and may you watch over us from you new post with our heavenly Father. During my time spent working with the RIDOC, you made me, as a rookie Correctional Officer feel confident, passed on your knowledge, wisdom, and support to me and my classmates as we entered into the unknown world of corrections when we came “on the line.” Your professionalism, your devotion to your profession, and the way you treated everyone will always stick with me. I pray your family and friends find peace in your loss. Rest In Peace Lieutenant Freeman. God bless you and your Family.
Lieutenant Thomas Jones
North Providence Police Department
January 1, 2021
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