News Release from: Oregon Dept. of Corrections
Posted: February 8th, 2013 1:01 PM
DOC loses nationally celebrated Honor Guard commander
Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) retiree and Honor Guard Captain John Whitney passed away unexpectedly Wednesday evening.
Capt. Whitney began his 26-year career with DOC in 1980 as a correctional officer and spent most of his career as a sergeant at Oregon State Penitentiary, where he retired in 2006. He continued to work for DOC in a limited capacity, first as the Honor Guard Sergeant from 2006 to 2008, and then as the Honor Guard Captain from 2008 until his passing.
He was instrumental in founding the department's Honor Guard in 1992 and developing it over 20 years to an impeccable standard. It was his passion. Capt. Whitney attended every police memorial service in the Pacific Northwest in recent memory, and has spent countless hours at other public safety ceremonies at both the state and national level. He became highly respected among Honor Guards across the country as a prolific commander and leader.
Capt. Whitney also served as an Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation Board Member and was a strong supporter of many families of fallen public safety officers. He was also a Marine who spent several years as a member of one of the prestigious U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoons at 8th and I in Washington, D.C.
DOC Deputy Director Mitch Morrow remembered Capt. Whitney as one of the hardest working sergeants in the history of the department. "He was above reproach in faithfully fulfilling the duties of his job and was always a dedicated supporter of his fellow officers," Morrow said.
DOC Director Colette S. Peters added, "Words cannot describe what a tremendous loss this is to our DOC family and to Oregon's public safety family. We will remember and honor Capt. Whitney as he did for so many others - with honor, integrity, and respect."
Information about services is pending.
Captain John Whitney
Contact Info: Liz Craig
503-945-0930 (office)
971-600-6131 (cell)