SCI Smithfield recently lost Corrections Officer Justin McCalips, who passed away unexpectedly at home on July 21. Justin began his career with the Department of Corrections on April 6, 2015, until his EOW on July 21, 2020, at 28 years of age.
Anyone who knew Justin (or saw him!) knew he had a passion for powerlifting. In the midst of the grief for one of our own and in usual DOC fashion where staff come together, staff wanted to do something to help his family and to honor his memory. The Wellness Committee coordinated and sponsored a charity event entitled "Lift Off for Justin." The monies thereof would be donated to Justin's family. The event involved participants acquiring sponsors to donate monies for each pound they lifted, as well as from straight donations.
There were 11 participants in the event, and in all $3,600 was collected. The SCI Smithfield Wellness Committee presented the monies to fellow corrections officers and (more importantly) Justin's best friends, N. Smith and J. Dodson. They presented the donation to his parents on behalf of our staff. This event was a huge success and plans are underway for this to become a yearly scholarship event.
The loss of Justin was the latest of recent losses to the Smithfield family and news heard too often in recent days and weeks.
Smithfield also lost Lt. Charles Crum, 48, on June 21.
Lt. Crum served the department from June 11, 1972 to EOW June 21, 2020, which sadly was Father's Day.
Smithfield also lost retired Lt. Jonathan Peck at the age of 44 on May 20 following a long and courageous battle with a serious illness. Lt. Peck served the department from September 25, 2000 to April 29, 2016. He came to work faithfully throughout his illness and retired to spend his final years with his family. Monetary contributions were also collected for their families.
All three honorably served their country.
These back-to-back-to-back losses of three employees, who all were similar in spirit, have rocked the staff and facility. They were not "just" employees. They were very good friends to many and part of the Smithfield family.
When staff were asked to describe in their own words these three staff members words such as kind, giving, generous, good friend, hard-working, "overall good dudes," honest, God-loving, funny, and family-oriented were some of the words used. Their loss will be felt for a very long time.
During this time, Smithfield has started a radio check for our fallen staff on the date of his or her funeral. They left their footprint in the hearts of many who knew and worked with them and they will all be sadly missed.
From left: Lt. Jonathan Peck; Lt. Charles Crum; CO Justin McCalips.
