Holly MatkinWashington, DC – District of Columbia Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) Correctional Officer Kenneth Moore died on April 1 after contracting COVID-19.
The 52-year-old correctional officer served the DYRS for 16 years, DYRS Director Clinton Lacey told The Washington Post.
“His compassion and commitment to our youth as a public servant will have a lasting impact on countless youth, families, and DYRS staff,” Director Lacey told Correctional Officer Moore’s coworkers in a memo.
Correctional Officer Moore was in self-quarantine after he came into contact with a U.S. marshal who ended up testing positive for the novel coronavirus, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) spokesperson Andre Phillips told The Washington Post.
He became ill during his two-week self-isolation, and later succumbed to the disease after testing positive.
Correctional Officer Moore was most recently assigned to the Superior Court at-risk office, and spent his days accompanying youthful offenders to court and between holding facilities, Phillips said.
He also served at the Oak Hill Youth Detention Center, the Youth Services Center, and the New Beginnings Youth Development Center during his years with the DYRS.
“He took his job very seriously,” Phillips told The Washington Post. “He was the first one to work and the last to leave. He was always helpful to other colleagues. Just a great guy.”
Correctional Officer Moore leaves behind his three sons, as well as his stepchildren.
“He loved that job,” his son, Kenneth Moore Jr., told The Washington Post. “He always worked with youth, trying to get them on the right path.”
“Everybody sees him as a father figure,” he added. “He took care of a lot of kids. That’s the kind of guy he is.”
Correctional Officer Moore’s stepson, Nathan Perkins, described him as a “great stepfather, father, and grandfather,” The Washington Post reported.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of District of Columbia Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services Correctional Officer Kenneth Moore, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.