On Saturday, May 4th, 2019, members of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 28th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony and Honor Guard Competition held as part of National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. The ceremony took place at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Staff from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office were present to honor Correctional Officer First Class (CFC) James A. El Shafey, who tragically passed away while on-duty on February 22nd, 2018. CFC El Shafey experienced a medical emergency during his shift and went into cardiac arrest. Co-workers, trained medical professionals onsite, and EMS personnel immediately began life saving measures that were sadly unsuccessful. He was 25 years old.
CFC El Shafey was a truly professional employee that was well respected by his peers and supervisors within the Detention Center and his Sheriff’s Office family. CFC El Shafey was extremely proud of his position and career as a Correctional Officer and every employee of the Sheriff’s Office still feels the effects of his loss.
Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard member and fellow CFC Jacob McClelland, a co-worker of CFC El Shafey’s, laid a single red rose on the memorial in honor of his memory. CFC El Shafey’s wife, Jacklyn, and their two daughters were present at the ceremony, along with his mother, Renee, and several other family members and friends.
National Correctional Officers and Employees Week is held this week, May 5th through May 11th. As always, we proudly recognize all our Correctional Officers and Detention Center staff for the hard work and dedication they put in day in and day out, and for the sacrifices they make on a daily basis.
