Correctional Officer Robert Lewis Welch, III, Missouri Department of Corrections, Missouri

Correctional Officer Robert Lewis Welch, III

Missouri Department of Corrections, Missouri

End of Watch Thursday, July 22, 2021

Add to My Heroes

Robert Lewis Welch, III

Correctional Officer Robby Welch died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty while assigned to the Women’s Eastern Reception and Diagnostic Correctional Center in Vandalia, Missouri.

Officer Welch had served with the Missouri Department of Corrections for 13 years. He is survived by his wife, three children, and mother.

The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement

Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.

Corrections agencies, in particular, suffered tremendous losses due to the constant and close proximity between the corrections officers and large inmate populations. Since March 2020, ODMP has verified that over 900 law enforcement officers have died as the result of a confirmed or presumed exposure while on duty and continues to work with hundreds of other agencies that have suffered a COVID-related death.

Visit ODMP's COVID-19 memorial listing every officer who has died as a result of a confirmed or presumed exposure.

Bio

Age 59
Tour 13 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause COVID19
Incident Date Not available

communicable disease, COVID-19

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 8 Reflections

Robbie it was always fun and exciting at times working around you not only as a fellow officer but eventually as my subordinate the best part is I got to work around my uncle, everyone who worked with you loved you attitude and unique style but I had the pleasure of calling you family and knowing the real you. you will forever be in our heart and minds we will always miss you Robbie aka Hillbilly

CO, Sgt, Fire Safety
DOC

January 2, 2026