Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across specific locations in the state to honor the life and service of Andrew Lansing, a corrections officer tragically killed on Christmas morning. Officer Lansing was fatally assaulted by inmate Rashawn Cannon at Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe, highlighting the dangers faced by those serving in correctional facilities.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) confirmed that the incident occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m. Lansing’s dedication to public safety and service is being commemorated with this statewide gesture. Flags will remain at half-staff at public buildings and grounds in Ross County, as well as the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, the Rhodes Tower in Columbus, and all ODRC facilities until sunset on the day of Officer Lansing’s funeral.
Governor DeWine issued a statement expressing his condolences to Lansing’s family, friends, and colleagues. “Officer Andrew Lansing’s dedication and service to the State of Ohio will not be forgotten,” said the governor. “We grieve his loss and honor his memory with this tribute.”
Details of the Tragedy
Rashawn Cannon, the inmate involved in Lansing’s death, was serving a sentence for felonious assault and weapons under disability charges, with an expected release date in August 2030. The investigation into the fatal assault is ongoing, and the tragic event has renewed concerns about safety within correctional institutions.
Unions and advocacy groups representing prison staff have called for increased security measures and greater support for those working in these high-risk environments. This incident underscores the challenges corrections officers face daily in maintaining safety and order under difficult conditions.
Statewide Tributes and Support
The flag-lowering order extends statewide, with local authorities encouraged to join in at their discretion. Details about Officer Lansing’s funeral and additional memorial services will be announced in the coming days. Meanwhile, state and local officials are working to support Lansing’s family and the corrections community as they cope with this profound loss.
Lansing’s death has sent shockwaves through the community, serving as a solemn reminder of the risks inherent in public service roles like his. Ohio joins together in mourning and honoring his sacrifice.