Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois
End of Watch Sunday, October 24, 1982
Add to My HeroesJoseph J. Cushman
Corrections Employee Joseph Cushman was bludgeoned to death by an inmate making an escape from the Menard Correctional Center.
Corrections Employee Cushman, who was an agricultural worker at the center, was found murdered after an inmate had stolen his pickup truck to make his escape.
The inmate, who had been serving a 25 to 45-year sentence for murder at the time of the attack, was captured a few weeks later, convicted, and sentenced to life. He hanged himself in his cell on December 12, 1988.
Corrections Employee Cushman had served with the Illinois Department of Corrections for 19 years. He was survived by his wife of 32 years, a daughter, and four sons.
Bio
- Age 52
- Tour 19 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Weapon Blunt object
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsMy grandfather, my hero. He did not deserve what happened to him. He was loved by all, even inmates because he never treated them like criminals, he treated them just like regular human beings. His death tore our family to pieces to never truly be put back together again. I have not forgave his murderer and I will have to answer to GOD when my day comes but at least the person that killed him is rotting in hell! RIP grandpa, can't wait to see you on the other side.
Shelley Scanlan
December 8, 2022
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