(Anamosa, IA) -- The family of an Iowa Correctional Officer, who was killed in a failed prison escape attempt, is asking for improved safety measures at Iowa Correctional facilities. Robert McFarland and nurse Lorena Schulte were killed by an inmate at the Anamosa Correctional Facility in March of last year. Family members are calling for state lawmakers to support proposed bills which aim to provide more safety measures.
“If my husband were here today, he would support these bills to protect the health and safety of all the workers in our correctional institutions. After his tragic death, I promised I would do all I can to make sure no family has to go through this again,” said Sara McFarland, the widow of Robert McFarland.
“My son paid the ultimate price for his job. It’s something that should not happen to people in the prison system. I want the people who work there to be safe and go home to their families,” added Cathie McFarland, mother of Robert. “We need everyone to come together to pass these bills so no one has to receive the call we did on March 23.”
“Last year, we had to face a hard reality that Robert wasn’t ever coming back. Our family made a promise to Robert that we would do everything in our power to make a change. Correctional officers protect us every day and must be considered public safety personnel,” said Dave McFarland, Robert’s brother.
“I stand here today with the families of two Iowans who should still be with us here today. These aren’t union bills and they aren’t partisan. They are common sense bills that will improve safety at our correctional facilities and save lives. It’s time to work together to get these passed,” said Rick Eilander, President of AFSCME Council 61.
“The tragic deaths of Robert McFarland and Lorena Schulte must never be forgotten and it’s our job as lawmakers to do all we can to make sure this never happens again. The bills we are offering today are a big step forward in protecting our dedicated workers at correctional facilities to prevent another tragedy,” said State Representative Todd Prichard of Charles City, one of the co-sponsors of the bills.