In Memory of Parole Officer Broderick Richard Daye

Iowa residents were saddened to learn from authorities that a local parole officer had died due to the COVID19 pandemic. On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, Parole Officer Broderick Richard Daye, age 57, died due to complications of the virus. He contracted the virus in the line of duty, serving as a sworn officer with the Iowa Department of Corrections.

Officer Daye is just one of the hundreds of law enforcement officers who have died since the start of the pandemic. More than 230 officers have been killed nationwide since January. Law enforcement is one of the occupations that carry additional risk for contracting the virus. In addition, it is often challenging to ensure social distancing while working with a variety of public concerns. Officer Daye had served with the Iowa Department of Correctional Services for more than 20 years. His most recent assignment was in the 5th Judicial District.

Iowa 5th Judicial District – Department of Corrections

Parole Officer Broderick “Boo” Daye served with the Iowa Department of Corrections. Parole officers are sworn law enforcement officers. Headquartered in Des Moines, the agency is divided into several judicial districts. Daye was assigned to the 5th district.

Parole officers manage the compliance of offenders to their planned and court-ordered parole conditions for release. The job requires more than simply the ability to arrest those who fail or make a mistake. Parole officers often take on the position of mentoring, helping find employment opportunities, and encouraging their assignees to succeed in life.

A parole officer like Daye would have been involved in the federally funded study that Iowa Department of Corrections. Iowa has received a three-year study funding to help those released from corrections facilities to succeed and not return to prison. The Iowa Statewide Recidivism Reduction Strategy is primarily implemented through the parole system as they work with offenders to return successfully to society.

Remembrances

Parole Officer Broderick Richard Daye leaves behind his aunt, three siblings, and seven nieces and nephews. This extended family will come together in support of one another as they work through these challenging times. Law enforcement volunteers will help the Daye family coordinate funeral services to ensure that the community can share their gratitude for the sacrifice made by Officer Daye.

Caroline Smith shared her sympathies with the Daye family. “I was so sad to hear of his passing. I was always happy to see him as I was leaving work in the evenings at the VA. He greeted everyone warmly and was just a heartwarming person to have met. My sympathy goes out to his family. The world lost a wonderful soul.”

Coworker Craig Batholomew was saddened to hear about the loss. “I worked with Broderick at Wells-Fargo Arena. He was great to work with, always a gentleman. He always treated our guests with much dignity. Sorry for your loss.”

Retired Chief Steven Marshall posted condolences for the department and the Daye family. “A police officer should be remembered not by how he died but how he lived! A great man has gone to secure a safe path for the rest of us to follow. Thank you to you, your family, and the Iowa 5th Judicial District – Department of Correctional Services. Our country is a little less safe without you. Rest in peace, brother!”