In Memory of Correctional Officer Darryl “Scout” Goodrich

Washington State Department of Corrections announced to residents that it had lost one of its officers to the COVID19 pandemic. On Friday, August 20, 2021, Correctional Officer Darryl Goodrich, badge number 10703, died due to complications from the virus. Across the US, COVID19 has become the number one cause of line-of-duty deaths for law enforcement. Hundreds of officers have been lost due to the virus. For the first time in history, we are also losing significant numbers of corrections officers.

Goodrich, or “Scout” as he was known to his friends, was a sworn law enforcement officer who served in corrections with the Washington State Department of Corrections. Most likely, he contracted the virus at his most recent assignment at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center. Goodrich had been serving with the department for just over a year. Goodrich was 49 years old.

During high school, Goodrich was a cadet for the Centralia Police Department. Over his career, he served as a correctional officer at the Green Hill Juvenile Facility, the Nisqually Jail, then as a gaming agent for the Nisqually Tribe. He loved his work in law enforcement and helping people in the community.

Washington State Department of Corrections

The Washington State Department of Corrections, or WADOC, is the state law enforcement agency that manages all adult correctional facilities in the state. WADOC is a modern agency; it had recently been reformed in July 1981. Before this, the agency was rolled in with other departments like the Department of Social and Health Services.

The department is one of the largest employers in the state. WADOC has more than 8300 employees that serve the department. All corrections officers have put their lives at risk during the pandemic as social distancing is nearly impossible within the prison systems.

Stafford Creek Corrections Center

Goodrich’s most recent assignment was working at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center. SCC is located in Aberdeen, Washington. The center is reasonably new for prison facilities, as it was opened in 2000. Stafford Creek houses a maximum of 1936 male inmates in a mixed-custody setting.

SCCC offers employment and training in metal fabrication and furniture building. Education opportunities are also available, as well as counseling or drug treatment programs. The facility also helps with re-integration and employment. The center is also working with a nearby college to incorporate environmental programs at its facilities.

Remembrances

Correctional Officer Darryl Scott Goodrich leaves behind his wife, three children, and his father. The community he loved will also mourn him as a friend, neighbor, coworker, and relative. A brother in blue, area law enforcement will send their honor guards to ensure that his service shows the community’s gratitude for his sacrifice made on their behalf.

WADOC Secretary Cheryl Strange expressed grief over the loss of Officer Goodrich. “While we cannot express in words our sorrow at this loss, our hearts and prayers go out to Darryl’s family and friends. We grieve their loss, as does the extended family of the Stafford Creek Corrections Center.”

Superintendent of the Stafford Creek Corrections Center Ron Haynes spoke highly of Officer Goodrich and his work ethic. “Darryl was respected by his coworkers and friends. He was always volunteering to assist in any way he could and showed incredible dedication. He will be missed.”

As of August 31, 2021, there were 233 line-of-duty deaths reported.