The untimely death of Okaloosa Correctional Officer Jason Goen, January 1, 2021
An excerpt from the book, “Some Gave All,” available on Amazon
By Mike Simmons
Everyone called him “PeeWee,” a name that did not fit his appearance! But…it did fit him, “sorta.” The author has spoken with several of the officers that worked with Jason Goen, and they all agreed that a nickname bringing attention to his size was appropriate.
Jason was a big guy, but his personality was bigger – larger than life. When Jason walked into a room, you knew the boredom was over. He was fun to be around. And he was one of those guys that was gifted as an officer. It came naturally to him, as inmates and officers both felt comfortable talking to him. He was a great co-worker.
At 38 years old, Jason decided to try out the job that, unbeknownst to anyone, was the career he was made for. On December 23, 2014, he started work as a Correctional Officer at the Okaloosa County Jail. The reason he – and everyone else – knew it was the job for him was that he quit three years later to pursue another line of work. Corrections is not an easy profession. It can be depressing, dangerous, and dirty. But he soon realized that he had left the job that was meant for him. A year later he was back.
He worked a lot of night shift. His supervisor had the highest praise; “He was not simply admired and liked, but also trusted. Officer Goen consistently represented the best of our department’s spirit on a nightly basis, and all the way up until his untimely passing.”
In 2020, the dreaded Covid plague spread like wildfire across the world. Stores, schools, churches, and businesses all shut down. Families stayed indoors where it was safe. But correctional facilities couldn’t shut down. The officers had taken an oath to serve despite the danger. Jason not only had to go to work, but he had to be exposed to Covid carriers daily. He went anyway, because the inmates needed care. Not only did he come down with the disease, but he contracted a severe case of it, requiring hospitalization.
On Friday, January 1, 2021, Jason died.
A quote from someone who knew him well says it all. “Many have been influenced by Jason’s unending compassion, respect for all people, and service to the community.’ He was a dedicated son, brother, boyfriend, friend, and loyal co-worker. His absence is significant and will be ubiquitously felt for quite some time.”
It is still felt. Rest in peace, Officer Goen.
