Correctional officers are often the forgotten guardians of our justice system. Behind the walls, they face daily stress, danger, and trauma — and yet, for years, the conversation about their mental health has been nearly silent. One man is changing that, one act of courage at a time.
We’re proud to celebrate Jon Zumkehr, counselor with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and President of Local 4070, for receiving the 2024 One Voice United Medal of Honor Staff Recognition Award. The honor is significant, but it’s only a small piece of the story.
Jon’s journey is about turning pain into purpose — and building a coalition that is finally bringing national awareness to suicide among correctional officers.
"The Bureau of Prison's leadership has deep gratitude for the unwavering dedication and commitment to our mission by our employees. These employees, to include Mr. Zumkehr, are the heart and soul of our agency and their wellness is a top priority."- Federal Bureau of Prison Spokesperson
Turning Tragedy Into Change
The loss of a fellow officer to suicide could have left Jon and his colleagues in despair. Instead, he channeled that grief into action. In 2024, Jon co-authored and introduced the Correctional Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act — landmark legislation designed to secure federal funding for a comprehensive staff wellness and suicide prevention program for correctional officers nationwide.
It was a bold move, rooted in the belief that no one should have to learn about suicide through tragedy.
But writing laws is only one side of advocacy. Jon led a campaign to install 988 suicide awareness signs at every exit of Thomson Federal Prison, a daily reminder to staff that help is just a call away. It’s simple, but powerful — a message that hope is real, even on the toughest days.
Building Bridges and Breaking Stigma
Jon knew real change meant ending the stigma around first responder mental health. Correctional officers die by suicide at rates seven times higher than the general population, and the trauma they face is relentless.
Jon listened to countless stories from staff who were struggling, and he responded by forging partnerships with organizations that could help.
One of the most meaningful collaborations has been with The Gray Matters Collective. By bringing their suicide awareness programs directly to Thomson’s staff, Jon made sure resources and support were never out of reach.
The Gray Matters Collective’s president, Haley DeGreve, visited Thomson in person to share her story, introduce local resources, and remind officers that there’s no shame in seeking help.
Their partnership didn’t stop there — with ongoing monthly support groups and specialized training like Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), 24 law enforcement officers at Thomson have already gained life-saving skills to help themselves and their colleagues.
Leading by Example
Jon’s leadership extended into the halls of power.
He met with Federal Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Lori Chavez-DeRemer in Washington, D.C., to confront the ongoing staffing crisis and the urgent need for better mental health resources. These discussions are happening at a critical time.
Executive Order 14251, issued this March, has threatened the job security and bargaining rights of federal correctional officers, carving out exceptions that leave them more vulnerable than ever.
Jon has made it clear: correctional officers deserve the same protections and support as police officers and firefighters. Anything less is unjust.
A Culture Shift in Corrections
Beyond policy and partnership, Jon has worked to shift the culture within corrections. He organized a suicide awareness walk at Thomson, creating space for staff to remember those lost, support one another, and start honest conversations about mental health.
“We’re told to just deal with it, that it’s part of the job,” Jon says. But through his efforts, that silence is breaking.
The Road Ahead
There’s still a long way to go. Correctional officers — and all first responders — need better care, not someday, but now. Jon’s message is simple and urgent: “Do not learn about suicide from suicide itself.” We can’t wait for more lives to be lost before acting. The stigma must end, and resources must be there, every day, for those who need them.
Jon Zumkehr’s compassion and determination are saving lives, one brave step at a time. As the conversation around suicide and mental health in corrections changes, Jon’s work reminds us that behind every uniform is a human being who deserves support, respect, and hope.
This work isn’t about medals or recognition — it’s about building a future where no correctional officer suffers alone, and every voice is heard.
Joe Cameron, CEO
Modern Cartographers
