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Viewing for Corrections Officer Killed in Fall

PLYMOUTH — Hundreds of people serving in law enforcement from across the state traveled to Luzerne County Monday to pay final respects to Corrections Offi...
moules wake

PLYMOUTH -- Hundreds of people serving in law enforcement from across the state traveled to Luzerne County Monday to pay final respects to Corrections Officer Kristopher Moules.

He died a week ago after plunging down an elevator shaft at the Luzerne County Prison while grappling with an inmate.

The number of people who traveled to Wyoming Valley West High School has likely surpassed well over a thousand.

The viewing started at 1 p.m., but law enforcement from across the state started arriving around 10 a.m., to come together as a community after Officer Kris Moules lost his life last week.

Law enforcement carried the flag-draped casket of Corrections Officer Kristopher Moules to his viewing inside Wyoming Valley West High School in Plymouth.

Hundreds of officers from across the state traveled there to mourn together, including law enforcement from like Bucks and Montgomery County.

Corrections officers from SCI Waymart served as the color guard.

"It's a brotherhood. We're all brothers, one and all from different counties, different places, we're brothers."

A corrections officer from Susquehanna County started his career at 25 years old. It's the same age as Officer Moules when he died last week inside the Luzerne County Prison. Moules and an inmate were in a struggle. They both crashed through an elevator door, falling almost 60 feet down the shaft.

Lt. Scott Boettlin traveled three hours from Chester County to attend the viewing. He points out corrections officers are put in difficult situations with inmates every day. But it's unfortunate the situation involving Officer Moules ended with the deaths of two men.

"We're all in this business and it really wakes you up," said lt. Scott Boettlin. "It's a scary feeling and your heart goes out to the family."

The American flag in front of Wyoming Valley west High school is at half-staff in memory of Officer Moules.

The viewing is open to the public until 7 p.m. Monday.

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