Statement from the Family of Corrections Officer Joseph Gomm

The family of Corrections Officer Joseph Gomm has asked the DOC communications office to release the following statement on their behalf:

"The family of Joseph Gomm would like to express how devastated and deeply saddened we are by the senseless and tragic loss of our son, brother, brother-in-law, cousin and uncle who gave the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty.

We wish to thank everyone for the overwhelming love, kindness and support during this incredibly difficult time. We would like to acknowledge the gracious outreach and support from Joe's Corrections family, especially his colleagues at the Minnesota Correctional Facility Stillwater. In addition, we are humbled by the offers to support our family and assist in planning Joe's celebration of life by the Minnesota law enforcement community as well as the corrections and law enforcement community nation-wide.

Special thanks to all those corrections family who have spent countless hours keeping vigil with Joe while we prepare to celebrate his life.

Our pain is indescribable, but we take comfort in knowing how many people loved Joe as much as we did and how many of his friends and colleagues share our devastation and grief.

As we prepare to lay Joe to rest, we ask for privacy for our family."