In Memory of Correctional Officer Glen F. Martinez
Corrections Officer Loses Life in Guam
US-owned territory, Guam, had officials come forward and announce the death of a local officer due to COVID19. Correctional Officer Glen F. Martinez, age 48, passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020. He contacted the virus through an outbreak among staff and prisoners at the Guam Adult Correctional Facility.
Officer Martinez had served with the Guam Department of Corrections for over 23 years. Guam, which is part of the Indonesian island chain, is owned by the US as one of its territories. All residents born in Guam are considered US citizens. On Sunday, November 22, 62 more prisoners at the Guam Adult Correctional Facility tested positive for coronavirus. These additional results brought the total number of positive cases among the prison population to 164. On November 16, there were a total of 43 corrections officers and employees who tested positive for the virus. Officer Martinez received his positive test results on November 21. He died two days later. Officer Martinez had been receiving treatment at the US Naval Hospital in Guam. The island has been hit hard by the virus, suffering the loss of its 109th victim on Wednesday, November 25.
Guam Department of Corrections
The Guam Department of Corrections, also known as DEPCOR, is an agency of Guam’s US territory that handles corrections and judicial enforcement on Guam’s island. The Guam Adult Correctional Facility (ACF) is the primary correctional facility on the island. Officer Glen Martinez had spent his career working at the ACF. In the end, he gave his life protecting his community. The headquarters and the ACF are both located in Mangilao, Guam.
Official Comments on Loss of Martinez
DOC officials made the following statement regarding the loss of officer Martinez. “The loss of officer Martinez is devastating and will be felt by many; his character and contributions as a corrections officer will be remembered by all who worked alongside him each day. We are grateful for his years of service, and he will be sorely missed. DOC is committed to honoring his memory and never forgetting his courage and dedication to the department and Guam’s people. The entire DOC family sends our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family during this difficult time.”
DOC spokesman Major Antone Aguan commented on the loss and its impact. “He passed away Tuesday from complications related to COVID-19. The loss of Officer Martinez is devastating and will be felt by many; his character and contributions as a corrections officer will be remembered by all who worked alongside him each day. We are grateful for his years of service, and he will be sorely missed. DOC is committed to honoring his memory and never forgetting his courage and dedication to the department and Guam’s people. The entire DOC family sends our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family during this difficult time.”
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero offered condolences from his office and family to the Martinez family over the loss. “Jeff, Lt. Governor Josh, and I send his family and friends our deepest condolences and sympathies. May you find strength from the knowledge you do not mourn alone. We have been at war with an invisible enemy for most of the year. As scripture tells us, we must be on the alert, stand firm, and be strong. Our constant vigilance remains the light through the darkness.”
Governor Guerrero also spoke to the public about handling loss and the impact of the virus. “There is no pain, like losing a loved one. To his family and friends, please accept our condolences and sympathies. As we lose more and more of our neighbors to COVID-19, we cannot become numb to the news. These people are more than numbers – they were friends, co-workers, siblings, parents, children. They are more than the illness they succumbed to. So, it is our duty, our responsibility, to keep each other safe. Our vigilance is the only vaccine we have.”
