Montford Unit Officer Dies From COVID-19 Complications
On Tuesday, December 29th, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed that an employee at the Montford unit in Lubbock had died due to complications with COVID-19.
54-year-old Officer V Joe Landin had tested positive for COVID-19 back on December 14th. After spending several days in the ICU, he finally passed on Monday, December 28th.
KAMC News reports that Landin had served with TDCJ for 25 years.
The TDCJ said in a statement concerning Landin's passing that he leaves behind 2 sons, 2 daughters and 7 grandchildren. TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier went on to say:
Joe Landin had heart and dedication that were unmatched in TDCJ [...] His first thought was always how best to serve. The thoughts and prayers of the TDCJ family are with the Landin family now. Officer Landin will always be remembered.
Correctional Institutions Division Director Bobby Lumpkin said:
Going above and beyond was second nature to Joe Landin [...] An example of duty before self, he volunteered to go to the Beaumont area responding to the 2005 hurricanes and again in 2020. His companionship, sincerity and his empathy for others as well as his dedication to his children made him a pleasure to be around. He was greatly loved, respected and will be missed by all that knew him.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has had 30 employees now that have died in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.