Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Two staff members lost their lives

On October 12, the North Carolina Department of Corrections experienced a tragic event, when offenders set a fire in the sewing plant in an escape attempt. Two staff members lost their lives and 10 were injured. The two that made the ultimate sacrifice were Officer Justin Smith and Correctional Enterprise employee Veronica Darden.  

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) sent two Statewide Honor Guard members, Commander Sammy Bordeaux from Coastal State Prison (SP) and Michael Lowe from Lee Arrendale SP, to North Carolina to participate in the processionals. Services for Mrs. Darden were conducted on Saturday, October 21, and services for Officer Smith were conducted on Sunday, October 22.  

GDC was honored to support the North Carolina Department of Corrections in remembrance of their fallen employees. We extend our sincerest sympathies to those affected by this tragedy.