A corrections officer at the maximum-security Oak Park Heights state prison died Monday after helping break up an inmate’s assault on another officer. Officials say after the altercation 37-year-old Joseph Parise went back to his post where he suffered a medical emergency and later died at Regions Hospital. Two other employees were injured. The Oak Park Heights prison remained under lockdown Monday as an investigation continues.
In a statement, Governor Mark Dayton says Officer Parise “was a dedicated state employee, who worked hard every day to protect the safety of his colleagues and our communities. We are deeply saddened by Officer Parise’s sudden and tragic death. On behalf of all Minnesotans, I offer my heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow Corrections Officers.”