Holly MatkinClio, AL – Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Correctional Officer Ricky Cooper died in the line of duty on Aug. 27 after collapsing during his shift.
The 47-year-old correctional officer was working at the Easterling Correctional Facility when the medical emergency struck, WSFA reported.
He collapsed in the kitchen area and lost consciousness, according to a post on the Alabama Correctional Officers Facebook page.
Correctional Officer Cooper was rushed to Dale County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
His exact cause of death was not immediately released.
The Abbeville native graduated from the Alabama Corrections Academy in 2008, according to his obituary.
He would have celebrated 15 years of employment with the ADOC on Sept. 4.
“His coworkers are truly saddened by his sudden loss,” the ADOC said in a press release, according to WSFA.
“Ricky was fondly known as ‘Coop’ and ‘Officer Cooper,’” his obituary read. “Ricky’s contagious smile and positive outlook on life will always be at the forefront of everyone’s memory.”
Many people offered their condolences to Correctional Officer Cooper’s friends and family on his online obituary page.
“Officer [Cooper] was a joy to know, he always entered the room with a bright smile and a positive attitude that some how changed yours if you was feeling down,” one message read. “He was absolutely a blessing to everyone he encountered and I was totally blessed to have known him.”
Another person described Correctional Officer Cooper as “an exceptional officer” who was an “absolute pleasure” to work with.
Correctional Officer Cooper will be laid to rest on Sept. 3, according to his obituary.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Alabama Department of Corrections Correctional Officer Ricky Cooper, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
