Correctional Officer Jose Rivera

Correctional Officer Jose Rivera

United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Government

End of Watch Friday, June 20, 2008

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Jose Rivera

Correctional Officer Jose Rivera was stabbed to death by two inmates at United States Penitentiary Atwater in Atwater, California. The inmates stabbed Officer Rivera with homemade knives as he was locking cell doors in preparation for the 4:00 pm headcount.

Other officers immediately responded to the location and restrained both suspects. Officer Rivera was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds several hours later.

One inmate, serving a life sentence for a third robbery, was convicted of murder and received a new life sentence. The other inmate, serving a life sentence for murder, is to be tried in April of 2015.

One of the inmates who murdered Officer Rivera had been implicated, but never charged, in the murder of Correctional Officer Douglas Mashburn of the Guam Department of Corrections on June 24th, 1987.

Officer Rivera was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Federal Bureau of Prisons for only 10 months. He is survived by his mother, two sisters, and brother.

Bio

Age 22
Tour 10 months
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Stabbed
Location California
Weapon Edged weapon; Shank
Offender Sentenced to life

prisoner custody

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God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 20, 2025