TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Wednesday that one staff member at the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) died on Tuesday due to complications from COVID-19, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. This is the second staff member death related to the virus.
The staff member was a male over the age of 50 with nearly 20 years of dedication to KDOC. He served in various roles throughout his tenure, most recently as a Corrections Supervisor I.
“This has been an extremely difficult week for our agency and staff,” Zmuda said. “We are devastated and extend our condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of this dedicated public servant.”
The first staff member who died from the virus was a man over the age of 60 with more than 30 years of dedication to the KDOC.
Three inmates from the Lansing Correctional Facility already had died of the virus before the employee succumbed Monday, department spokeswoman Rebecca Witte said.
The KDOC Peer Support Team will be available for any staff members who need additional support in dealing with this loss.
“This virus has shaken our state to its core,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our corrections personnel have been invaluable during this pandemic. I extend my sympathies to his family and my sincerest thanks to the many who put themselves in harm’s way each and every day in service to others.”
The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867 during the presidency of Andrew Johnson and is the oldest and largest state correctional facility in Kansas. Serving only males, the facility capacity is 2,432 residents.