In Memory of Corrections Officer Timothy Beggs
Texas Corrections Hit Hard by Pandemic
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has had a significant amount of loss as the state agency has been hit hard by the COVID19 pandemic. On December 9, 2020, the TDCJ was faced with the daunting task of making announcements for yet another corrections officer’s loss in 2020. Corrections Officer Timothy Beggs, aged 61, died from complications of the virus. He served his community through his work as a corrections officer with the TDCJ for more than 13 years.
Officer Beggs tested positive for the virus on November 24, 2020. He was then admitted to a local hospital for treatment. Officer Timothy Beggs began early in life to understand what it means to be in service to others. Beggs was a US Army Veteran. He is the 26th member of the TDCJ who has died in the line of duty because of COVID19.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Officer Beggs was employed through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Texas Legislature voted in 1848 to build its first prison when it passed “An Act to Establish a State Penitentiary.” The agency reformed as the TDCJ in its current administrative role in 1989.
The TDCJ manages more than 100 prisons or other correctional facilities within the state of Texas. TDCJ also handles all parole or other community supervision needs. TDCJ is the most extensive and largest prison system in the world.
One of Texas’s biggest employers, the TDCJ has more than 38,000 employees. Corrections officers, like Officer Beggs, are considered a civilian police officer. They are sworn into office and are law enforcement officers.
Hospital Galveston
Corrections Officer Timothy Beggs worked his last assignment at Hospital Galveston. Hospital Galveston is a correctional institutions division medical facility.
A hospital prison unit, located IH 45 in Galveston, Texas. This facility handles all emergency medical treatment for the area correctional facilities. It provides all levels of medical care and also manages telemedicine appointments for prisoners.
Established in 1983, the hospital employs a total of 496 employees at the facility, in addition to medical staff that provides needed services. Of the 496 employees, 324 are sworn corrections officers.
It is a co-gender facility that can house and treat up to 365 inmates. Skilled medical faculty provides medical/surgical services, ICU, and holding beds. Hospital Galveston offers general hospital care, acute care and manages more than 45 specialty and subspecialty clinics.
Leaving Loved Ones Behind
The pandemic has hit families worldwide. The virus has created a loss for families everywhere. Corrections Officer Timothy Beggs leaves behind his wife, four children, and two grandchildren.
TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier commented on losing officer Beggs. “Timothy Beggs came to TDCJ after serving in the US Army and knew exactly the meaning of service and family. He was dedicated to his agency and was known for always lending a helping hand. The thoughts and prayers of the entire TDCJ family are with the Beggs during this difficult time.”
Correctional Institutions Division Director Bobby Lumpkin spoke of working with Beggs. “He was known as a team player who was dedicated to his work and his co-workers. Timothy Beggs lived with a positive outlook and was known for his smile and sense of humor, even in trying times. Officer Beggs was held in high regard by the Hospital Galveston team, and he will be terribly missed.”
