(NHDOC photo) Lawrence Prather, age 43

CONCORD — State DOC Commissioner Helen Hanks said Wednesday that corrections officer Lawrence Prather, 43, died earlier in the morning at Concord Hospital after suffering a medical emergency while on duty.

“Fellow corrections officers and nursing staff immediately started life saving efforts including providing CPR, getting an AED, and calling for an ambulance,” Hanks said in a statement.

The cause of Prather’s death is pending. Hanks said information regarding services for Prather will be released after being finalized by members of his family.

“Officer Prather’s passion, kindness, and dedication to his career with

the NH Department of Corrections was admirable,” Hanks said, describing Prather as “a friendly, positive, and loyal officer who is already greatly missed.

“Our thoughts are with Officer Prather’s family and those closest to him during this incredibly difficult time.”

Prather joined the DOC in 2017, and a year later was presented a team commendation award for his actions as part of the team’s response to a disturbance at the State Prison for Men.

He was transferred in December 2019 to the department’s Division of Rehabilitative Services, where he worked closely with residents while they were re-entering community life.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.