Champaign County correctional officer killed in traffic crash | Courts-Police-Fire

CHAMPAIGN – An off-duty Champaign County correctional officer has died as a result of a traffic accident.

Jennie Ashley, 47, died Monday as a result of a traffic accident, Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said. She had worked for the sheriff’s office since September 2023.

“Although Officer Ashley had only been working as a correctional officer with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office for a short time, she immediately made connections with her fellow officers and even served as a mentor to several newcomers to the profession,” Heuerman said.

“Officer Ashley built a relationship of trust with the inmates she interacted with, often demonstrating empathy. She will be greatly missed,” he continued. “Our prayers are with Officer Ashley’s family and friends as we mourn this loss.”

As a sign of respect, uniformed departments of the Sheriff’s Office wear mourning ribbons on their badges until the end of the funeral.