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 900 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 63 ReflectionsLt. Freeman,
On today, the 2nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Rhode Island. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement then that of a Corrections Officer.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
December 14, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley
Scott County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 22, 2023

Sergeant Michael Kunovich
St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: May 19, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Brett Harris
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: May 13, 2023

Sergeant Joshua Lee Clouse
Cameron Police Department, TX
EOW: May 11, 2023

Port Police Officer Kimberly Sickafoose
Alabama Port Authority Police, AL
EOW: May 11, 2023

Police Officer Aréanah M. Preston
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: May 6, 2023

Detective Jacob Beu
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: May 7, 2023

Police Officer Robert Shisler
Deptford Township Police Department, NJ
EOW: May 7, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Kaitie Leising
St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, WI
EOW: May 6, 2023