In Memory of Corrections Officer Marshall Lee “Bem” London, Jr

Mississippi Loses Corrections Officer to COVID

On Monday, May 18, 2020, Corrections Officer Marshall Lee “Bem” London, Jr. passed away from the complications that came with the coronavirus. Mississippi and other states across the US have been losing officers due to the pandemic. It is assumed that London came into contact with the virus through his work at the Lincoln County Jail, where there was a recent outbreak of COVID19.

Officer London, age 66, had worked in law enforcement for nearly 16 years. He devoted his life to the protection of others and helping people. London was a family man; whose children and grandchildren were his entire world.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

Officer London gave his life to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The LCSO is located in Brookhaven, Mississippi. The Lincoln County law enforcement agency is small in size, with 22 officers on the payroll. However, the office may be small in stature, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office has had a long history within the state of Mississippi. The LCSO was established with its first Sheriff, John Moore, in 1874. Currently, Steve Rushing is serving as Sheriff for the county.

Family Leader Gone Too Soon

London was the family leader, and like many who have suffered through coronavirus, has left his family sooner than expected. Corrections Officer Marshal Lee “Bem” London, Jr. leaves behind his children and grandchildren. His coworkers, extended family, and neighbors will join in their grief and share a celebration of the life he lived.

The National Fraternal Order of Police posted the loss on their Twitter page. “Blessed Are the Peacemakers – Corrections Officer Marshall Lee “Bem” London, Jr. – Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi – EOW: Monday, May 18, 2020 #EnoughIsEnough #OfficerDown #EOW #ThinBlueLine #COVID19 #BeatTheVirus”

Twelve-year-old Zechariah Cartledge, a hero already, has been running a mile for every officer lost. He is raising funds to help their families. Zechariah came out to the public and asked that they join him in running for Officer London. He held an impressive run in his honor. “We encourage citizens and agencies from across the nation (to join Zechariah) tonight in a 1-mile walk or run … to help honor this fallen hero. Please be sure to adhere to local and federal government regulations regarding social distancing.” This was the 559th mile that Zechariah has run for fallen officers.

ATF Headquarters expressed their condolences for the loss of Officer London. “Our thoughts are with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Miss., and the family and friends of Corrections Officer Marshall Lee “Bem” London, Jr., who passed away as the result of contracting COVID-19 while on duty. #LODD #EOW”

The US Deputy Sheriff’s Association mailed a check to Officer London’s family to help them in their time of need. “The USDSA sent a benefit check to the family of Corrections Officer Marshall Lee “Bem” London Jr., who perished in the line of duty, end of watch 5-18-20.”

Sgt. Curt Durnil expressed his sympathies on his Twitter page. “Rest in Peace Corrections Officer Marshall Lee London, Jr, Lincoln Co Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi. Officer Marshall London died after contracting COVID-19 during an outbreak among staff at the Lincoln County Jail EOW 5/18/2020 #MemorialMonday.”