TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Tuesday that one staff member at the Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) died on Saturday, July 25, due to complications from COVID-19.
This is the third staff death related to the virus with the first two being at the Lansing Correctional Facility, according to a media release from the KDOC.
Richard Rose, 74, had more than 17 years of dedicated service to the KDOC. He served as a Facility Maintenance Supervisor, spending most of his time offsite.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to Richard’s family and to those who served alongside him for so many years,” Zmuda said. “The KDOC family is a tight-knit group and these deaths, and those of our residents, have been extremely difficult.”
The KDOC Peer Support Team will be available for any staff members who need additional support in dealing with this loss.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of too many hard-working Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Richard was a dedicated public servant and I extend my condolences to both his family, friends, and those who worked alongside him.”