A state corrections officer collapsed from a medical emergency while on duty Wednesday and was later pronounced dead at Concord Hospital. 

At the time of the emergency, Officer Lawrence Prather, 43, was surrounded by fellow corrections officers and nursing staff who immediately started life-saving efforts, including CPR, using an AED device and calling for an ambulance, Corrections Commissioner Helen Hanks said in a statement. 

Paramedics from the Concord Fire Department responded to the state prison to aid in resuscitation efforts before transporting him to Concord Hospital. Lifesaving attempts were unsuccessful.  

Officer Prather began his career with the New Hampshire Department of Corrections in 2017 after graduating from the 104th class of the New Hampshire Corrections Academy. In April 2018, he received an award for his actions in response to a disturbance at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men. In December 2019, he was transferred from the state prison to the Division of Rehabilitative Services, where he worked closely with residents as they re-entered community life, according to information from the department.  

Over the last six years, he left a mark on his colleagues as a caring and dedicated team member. 

“Officer Prather’s passion, kindness, and dedication to his career with the NH Department of Corrections was admirable,” said Hanks. “He was a friendly, positive, and loyal officer who is already greatly missed.”

Information about services will be released as they are arranged with the family. 

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