(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) A memorial was created near the entrance to the state Department of Corrections headquarters in tribute to Corrections Officer Lawrence Prather, who died last week while on duty at the State Prison.

CONCORD — Family, friends, and co-workers of the late Corrections Officer Lawrence Prather gathered in front of the New Hampshire State Prison For Men Saturday, several days after Prather suffered a medical emergency while on duty at the prison and later died.

They came to pay tribute to the 43-year-old officer, who was pronounced deceased shortly after medical personnel transported him to Concord Hospital.

Fellow corrections officers, nurses and other staff members had rushed to Prather’s side to administer emergency life-saving efforts, which were ultimately unsuccessful.

“Officer Prather’s passion, kindness, and dedication to his career with the NH Department of Corrections was admirable,” state DOC Commissioner Helen Hanks said in addressing members of Prather’s family, others close to him and the dozens of officers in attendance.

Prather “was a friendly, positive, and loyal officer who is already greatly missed,” Hanks added. “Our thoughts are with Officer Prather’s family and those closest to him during this incredibly difficult time.”

(NHDOC photo) Lawrence Prather, age 43

Prather began his career with the NH Department of Corrections in 2017 and graduated with the 104th class of the New Hampshire Corrections Academy.

Over the last six years, Prather left a mark on his colleagues as a caring and dedicated team member. In April 2018, Prather received a Team Commendation Award for his actions as part of the team’s response to a disturbance at the State Prison for Men.

In December 2019, Prather transferred from the State Prison to the Division of Rehabilitative Services, where he worked closely with residents as they re-entered community life.

–JEFFREY HASTINGS

(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) Hudson police Officer Taylor Morin sings the national anthem at the outset of Saturday's memorial service for Corrections Officer Lawrence Prather, who died last week after being stricken at work at the State Prison.

(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) New Hampshire Department of Corrections Commissioner Helen Hanks addresses members of Lawrence Prather's family, along with numerous law enforcement personnel and corrections officers with whom Prather worked at the State Prison, during Saturday's memorial service for Prather, who died while on duty last week.

(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) Dozens of New Hampshire Department of Corrections officers encircle the speaker's platform as DOC Commissioner Helen Hanks addresses attendees at Saturday's memorial service honoring Officer Lawrence Prather, who died while on duty at the State Prison last week.

(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) New Hampshire Department of Corrections Commissioner Helen Hanks brings the American flag that was displayed during Saturday's memorial service for Corrections Officer Lawrence Pratherto members of his family. Hanks presented it to Prather's older daughter.

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