NEW CASTLE — The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) honored the lives lost in the line of duty at a Fallen Staff Ceremony Thursday at the Correctional Training Institute in New Castle.

The ceremony, led by Deputy Commissioner Christine Blessinger, included the Posting of Colors by the Honor Guard, a prayer, remarks from Commissioner Lloyd Arnold, a moment of silence and a memorial tribute by Chief of Staff James Basinger, followed by the Retiring of Colors.

As the name of each fallen staff member was read, a memorial bell was rung and a rose was placed in their honor.

The names of the staff members remembered include:

Michael R. Keel (2023) - Indiana State Prison

Eugene L. Lasco (2021) - Indiana State Prison 

Timothy A. Betts (2012) - Wabash Valley Corr. Facility 

Robert J. Statzer (2008) - Pendleton Correctional Facility 

Jerome Brewer (2007) - Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility 

Virgil A. Reel (2001) - Putnamville Correctional Facility 

Phillip K. Curry (1994) - Indiana State Prison

William W. Wilson (1987) - Westville Correctional Facility 

Vanessa Cook (1980) - Gary Parole 

Harold E. Rice (1976) - Indiana State Prison 

John H. Grimm (1921) - Indiana Reformatory – Jeffersonville 

Charles V. Orem (1919) - Indiana Reformatory – Jeffersonville 

David M. Lovette (1918) - Indiana Boys School 

Paul Stokeberry (1918) - Indiana Boys School 

Ora D. Ambrose (1913) - Indiana Boys School 

William H. Spears (1913) - Indiana Boys School 

Hiram B. McWilliams (1911) - Indiana Reformatory – Jeffersonville 

George A. Chamberlain (1874) - Indiana State Prison – Jeffersonville 

The family of Virgil Reel, who worked at the Putnamville Correctional Facility, was at the ceremony Thursday.

"I was so happy when they started doing this," said Theresa (Reel) Torrance, the widow of Virgil, "Corrections officers are often forgotten," she continued, "my husband had a lot of pride in what he did."

Virgil's widow, children and grandchildren sat proudly throughout the ceremony and joined department staff for food and fellowship after.

The family was surrounded by dozens of department employees from across the state who all traveled to New Castle to pay their respects to these individuals and their families. 

Through these efforts, IDOC aims to remember and recognize those who have bravely served the department. 

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