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WILKES-BARRE — A grieving family stood proud Tuesday morning as the son and brother they lost one year ago to the day was remembered by his fellow corrections officers in a ceremony filled with love and respect.
With bagpipes playing and uniformed men and women standing among the large crowd gathered on the Luzerne County Courthouse lawn, Corrections Officer Kristopher Moules was honored for his service.
Moules, the 25-year-old Larksville man who died after falling down an elevator shaft at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, was recalled as a hero.
A plaque purchased with donations from his fellow workers at the prison stated: “A hero remembered … never dies.”
The plaque will be placed at the county facility where he worked.
Moules died during a physical altercation with inmate Timothy Gilliam Jr. on July 18, 2016; both men fell 59 feet down the elevator shaft to their deaths. Moules’ death was ruled a homicide.
Kitty Moules, Kristopher’s mother, said the family was very appreciative of the show of love for her son.
“This was just beautiful,” she said after the ceremony. “To be here with all of these friends who are like family to us now. This is a beautiful day for Kristopher.”
Mrs. Moules smiled when she talked about her late son, noting he constantly gave hugs and kisses to everyone.
“He will always be truly missed,” she said. “He made his mother and father very proud. He loved sports and he loved life. He always wanted to have fun. And he enjoyed fishing. That’s what we’re going to do today — we’re going fishing.”
Mrs. Moules expressed deep appreciation for all who planned the ceremony, and she thanked them for attending and for remembering Kristopher.
“It’s a pleasure to be with them all today,” she said. “We feel their hearts.”
Tom Borum, business manager of Laborers’ International Union of North America, said it was “difficult to find the right words for something like this.”
“This was a great ceremony and a fitting tribute to a great officer,” said Borum. “And it’s a tribute to all these officers and the job they do on a daily basis.”
Mark Rockovich, director of correctional services for Luzerne County, said Moules never wanted the spotlight, always putting everyone above himself.
“We are all family,” Rockovich said. “We all answer the call of service to our community, our county and our country. One year ago today, our world changed. When the unthinkable happens, it has a profound effect on all of us.”
Sam Hyder, deputy warden at the prison, said Tuesday definitely was a somber day for the staff and all of Luzerne County.
“Our hearts go out to Kristopher and the Moules family,” he said.
Luzerne County Manager C. Dave Pedri said the events of July 18 of last year “have never left us and never will.” He keeps a prayer card from Moules’ funeral on his desk.
“This young man gave his life in service to others,” Pedri said. “A corrections officer’s life is not always appreciated. Too often we don’t realize the job they do every day. These are brave men and women who serve every single day.”
Pedri said Moules gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“And today we stand in honor of him,” said Pedri. “The flag has been lowered to half-staff. It will one day be returned to full staff, but Officer Kristopher Moules will never be forgotten.”