ROSS COUNTY, OH — The Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA) is demanding immediate accountability following the tragic death of Correction Officer Andy Lansing at the Ross Correctional Institution (RCI) on Christmas morning. Officer Lansing was fatally injured during an attack by an inmate, an incident that has raised serious concerns about safety protocols within the institution.
According to reports, Officer Lansing was working an overtime shift when he was assaulted by 27-year-old Rashawn Cannon, who has been incarcerated since 2023 for felonious assault and possession of a weapon under disability. Despite prompt medical attention, Lansing succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a local hospital.
This incident is not isolated; it follows a troubling pattern of safety issues within Ohio’s correctional facilities. In an urgent letter to Governor Mike DeWine, OCSEA President Christopher Mabe highlighted systemic failures in leadership and management at the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC). Mabe is calling for the immediate placement of Director Annette Chambers, the Warden of RCI, and other relevant officials on administrative leave pending investigation outcomes.
“Officer Lansing’s death underscores a failure to prioritize the safety of correctional staff,” Mabe stated. “This tragedy is indicative of a broader pattern of negligence that has endangered the lives of those serving in Ohio’s correctional institutions.”
Prior incidents involving Cannon suggest a troubling history. In April, Officer Lansing filed a report detailing a previous confrontation with Cannon, who had become aggressive during a phone call and threatened Lansing. Despite warnings and disciplinary actions, Cannon remained a potential threat.
The DRC has not yet released further details regarding the investigation into Lansing’s death. Mabe urges swift action to restore trust within the correctional system and to honor Officer Lansing’s memory by ensuring accountability at all levels.
“The safety and security of our correctional institutions depend on effective leadership and a commitment to staff welfare,” Mabe concluded.
The families of correctional officers, along with their colleagues and the citizens of Ohio, await decisive action to prevent further tragedies and to enhance safety protocols in the state’s correctional facilities.
