In Memory of Corrections Officer Lebouath Boua
Texas Hit Hard by Pandemic in Prisons
In 2020, Texas has been hit incredibly hard by the ravages of coronavirus. The pandemic has swept through the 103 prison facilities with a rage – bringing sickness and death to many families. These deaths include inmates, employees, families, and the surrounding communities. Officials were saddened to announce the loss of another corrections officer due to the virus. Corrections Officer Lebouath Boua, age 61, passed away from COVID19 on August 12, 2020. Officer Boua had worked hard to serve his community and had been with the Department of Criminal Justice for the last four years.
Boua last worked on July 10 and stayed home to self-isolate when not feeling well. His test for COVID came back positive on July 18. On July 29, the TDCJ was informed by his family members that Boua had to be hospitalized for his illness severity. Though he fought valiantly for his life and his family, he lost the battle with COVID on August 12.
At the time of Boua’s death, he had recently been working at the Coffield Unit and was the 16th employee who died from the coronavirus.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Boua worked for his community with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The TDCJ is responsible for all the criminal justice supervision of adult offenders throughout Texas. This responsibility includes managing the inmates in state and private prisons, state jails, and private correctional facilities. They also provide funding, oversight of community supervision, and management of the prison system.
With 103 facilities, the TDCJ operates the most extensive prison system in the United States. Historically, the prison system began in 1848 the Texas legislature passed “An Act to Establish a State Penitentiary.” From there, it started in Huntsville, Texas, where the TDCJ is headquartered today. It has grown into 103 separate facilities since that time and was reorganized in 1989. The TDCJ is one of the largest employers in the state of Texas, with more than 37,000 full-time employees.
Two Sons Lose Role-Model Father
Coronavirus has destroyed many law enforcement families in the state of Texas. Corrections Officer Lebouath Boua leaves behind two sons. His extended family, friends, and neighbors, along with his coworkers at the TDCJ, will come together and support his family in their time of loss.
The TDCJ Executive Director, Bryan Collier, expressed his grief and prayers for Boua’s family. “The Texas Department of Criminal Justice pauses and mourns the loss of an employee to this terrible virus. The passing of a dedicated public servant is a tragic loss with a wide-ranging impact. The family and friends of Lebouath Boua are in our thoughts and prayers. He will always be remembered.”
Coffield Unit Senior Warden Kenneth Putnam expressed how much Boua will be missed. “He was respected among his peers, always making a point to speak to everyone and ask how their day was going. His positive attitude was contagious and genuine. Officer Boua always had an easy manner about him and a big heart to match his smile. All will greatly miss him at the Coffield Unit.”
The IACP or International Association of Chiefs of Police posted on their Twitter page. “Our thoughts go out to the family, friends & colleagues of Corrections Officer IV Lebouath Boua, Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional Division, Texas.”
