Correctional Officer Cecil H. Harbison, Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois

Correctional Officer Cecil H. Harbison

Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois

End of Watch Friday, November 30, 1984

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Cecil H. Harbison

Correctional Officer Cecil Harbison was stabbed to death at the Menard Correctional Center at 711 East Kaskaskia Street in Menard.

A convicted murderer, who had been indecisive about going to the recreation yard, was left locked in his cell by Correctional Officer Harbison until the other inmates returned later that morning. When Correctional Officer Harbison turned the crank to permit the other inmates back into their cells, the suspect charged him, stabbing him a dozen times with a shank.

The inmate was convicted of murder and sentenced to death but later committed suicide in his cell.

Correctional Officer Harbison had served with the Illinois Department of Corrections for only six months and would have become certified within a few weeks. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

Age 30
Tour 6 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Stabbed
Weapon Edged weapon; Shank
Offender Committed suicide

correctional Facility, retaliation

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Officer Harbison,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Illinois. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

November 30, 2024