A memorial outside the Correctional Service Canada’s training academy in Kingston, Ontario, features 35 portraits honoring staff members who perished in service. The monument serves as a serene spot for families to reflect on their lost loved ones’ legacies, providing solace and ensuring their memories endure. The unveiling of this long-awaited tribute occurred at the end of October, marking the culmination of a heartfelt journey that began many years prior.
The genesis of the memorial dates back to a poignant moment in November 1994 when Daphne Jenkins and her brother, Michael Wentworth, held a solitary vigil outside Kingston Penitentiary, where their father, William Wentworth, was fatally stabbed 33 years earlier without any perpetrator being brought to justice. This poignant family gathering eventually evolved into a grassroots effort that ultimately led to the establishment of a national monument honoring fallen correctional service officers.
Chris Bucholtz, the Ontario regional president of the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers, emphasized the significance of providing a dedicated space for staff and their families to pay respects to their fallen colleagues. Unlike military memorials, these individuals did not perish in combat but while on duty, highlighting the risks inherent in their profession.
The memorial’s meticulous design and layout reflect careful planning, with each detail symbolizing a unique aspect of remembrance. The circular structure, resembling a guard tower, embraces visitors, while plaques honoring fallen staff from different regions across Canada are thoughtfully arranged. The monument’s positioning offers a view of the historic Kingston Penitentiary, bridging the past with the present for new recruits to appreciate the institution’s legacy and instilling a sense of pride and duty as they embark on their careers in correctional services.