leoaffairs.com

Viewing was last Thursday and Service/Burial was Friday in Lake City. Thousands attended. I don't know why there was no coverage down south (typical for south fla.), but it was circulated statewide in the department.

When is this officer services I am retired and not heard of his death in the line of duty in any south florida news agencies of papers please let me know I would like to show up and give my respects thanks and RIP

Trust Fund for Family of Sergeant Ruben Thomas

March 20, 2012 / by Chris Akins / Make A Comment / Filed under Blog

As you know, on Sunday, March 18, 2012, we lost one of our own when Officer Ruben Thomas, sergeant at Columbia Correctional Institution, was fatally injured after being stabbed by an inmate. The tragic death has been a shock for all of us as we lose another dedicated member of our Corrections Family. Sgt. Thomas was a well-respected officer and he was known for his hard work, dedication, and love for family. He leaves behind his parents, fiancée, 18-month old daughter, and unborn child.

We will be partnering with the Corrections Foundation to raise money in honor of Sgt. Thomas, which will be placed in a special trust fund for his family. Your contributions will assist the family with immediate and future expenses with the raising and education of Sgt. Thomas’ children. We will advise of any future support efforts as they are decided upon.

You can make a credit card contribution at https://secure.piryx.com/donate/tdxUmZys/Corrections-Foundation-Inc-/fallen-officer.

If you prefer to make a cash or check donation, please send your donation to: Corrections Foundation, Attn: Sgt. Thomas Fund, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. Checks should have “Sgt. Thomas Fund” in the memo section.

I’ve always been impressed with how the officers and members of the Florida Department of Corrections come together in challenging times particularly when it affects one of our own. It makes me proud to serve with you.

Kenneth S. Tucker
Secretary
Florida Department of Corrections

Flags at half-staff for fallen officer

Sgt. Ruben Thomas

From staff reports

Published: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 10:18 PM EDT

Gov. Rick Scott has ordered national and state flags be flown at half-staff on Friday, the day of the funeral for a local corrections officer slain in the line of duty.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Florida Department of Corrections Sergeant Ruben Thomas while on duty at Columbia Correctional Institution Annex on March 18, 2012," Scott said in an official memorandum. "In honor of Sergeant Ruben Thomas, I hereby request that the National and State flags be lowered to half-staff at all Florida Department of Corrections institutions statewide, the City Hall of Lake City, and the Columbia County Courthouse on March 23, 2012, from sunrise to sunset."

i wish people and the state can understand what we face everyday! a man lost his life for 30k a year... its just dont seem fair.. and slick rick keeps taken from us!!!

rest in peace brother... way to young..

let's not monday morning quarterback this issue. this is way too soon to be talking about this.

RIP officer May G od have mercy on your soul.

Locks in socks or rocks in socks have been a weapons for many many years. Maybe they should all wear those low cut hide a sock my kid wears and slippers to keep their little feet warm.

P.S. to Rick Scott - keep your sympathies they are just hollow words

"Another officer was hit in an eye with a sock filled with something heavy before the inmate was taken into custody."

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-03-19/story/inmate-kills-guard-lake-city-prison#ixzz1pbJiFWh7

Question: Why are inmates allowed to wear tube socks if they are going to use them as a weapon? I say inmates should be issued ankle socks.

R.I.P Brother

I have to say it does not surprise me that NOTHING has been said in the news.

It is a shame that this man gave his life serving the public in a low paying job. I would hope that at least the local news carries the story and brings some light upon how dangerous our job really is.

Officers are putting their life on the line and our Governor and legislators want to go private. When will they get the message that this is a dangerous job we do and properly compensate us.

Inmate kills correctional officer at Lake City prison, state says

Posted: March 19, 2012 - 6:12am | Updated: March 19, 2012 - 10:26am

Thomas and his child

216 S.E. Corrections Way, Lake City, Florida

By Clifford Davis

A Lake City correctional officer is dead after being stabbed in the neck by an inmate with a "homemade weapon" at the Columbia Correctional Institution Annex, according to Ann Howard, director of public affairs for the Florida Department of Corrections.

The slain officer was identified as Sgt. Ruben Thomas, 24, a six-year-veteran of the Department of Corrections. Another guard also was injured.

The suspect is 37-year-old inmate Richard P. Franklin, Howard said.

Franklin was sentenced to life in prison for a first-degree murder conviction in 1995, according to prison records. He also had a 1994 conviction of battery on a law enforcement officer.

Check back with Jacksonville.com and read Tuesday's Times-Union for updates.

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-03-19/story/inmate-kills-correctional-officer-lake-city-prison-state-says#ixzz1pZemxbm3