Even more correctional officers and healthcare workers have resigned in the wake of last month’s hostage crisis at Delaware’s largest prison.
Since the 19-hour standoff at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on Feb. 1, 13 prison guards have resigned and 12 others have submitted paperwork to retire.
A Department of Correction spokeswoman wouldn’t elaborate which prisons these officers worked at, citing security concerns.
Another 29 medical contractors have also resigned from Vaughn, but the outside company is filling those positions with existing staff.
DOC says it can cancel programs and visitation hours for inmates to maintain their own staffing levels while they wait for more correctional officers to graduate from a state academy.
Jeffrey Carrothers, the security superintendent for Vaughn has also been reassigned, but DOC considers the move a private personnel matter.
Last week, the agency put JTVCC Warden David Pierce on paid administrative leave indefinitely, promoting his deputy, Phil Parker, in the interim.
Guards spoke to state lawmakers in a senate hearing last week, saying they need more training and resources to do their job effectively.
State police continue to investigate the hostage crisis that left correctional officer Steven Floyd dead.
They’ve set no timeline to complete their review of the incident, which involved up to 120 prisoners.
