Memorial fund set for fallen officer

Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA -- The Public Safety Employees Association along with state correctional officers and the Hesterberg family announced on Wednesday the establishment of the Jamie Hesterberg Memorial Fund.

According to Department of Corrections spokesman Bruce Richards, "Jamie" Hesterberg is believed to be the first Corrections Officer in the State of Alaska to be killed in the line of duty.

"Jamie was well liked by everyone he worked with," Richards said Wednesday. "We all know he was looking forward to retiring next September. This is a terrible blow to his family, his friends and everyone here in the Department of Corrections."

Hesterberg graduated from Upper Lake High School in Upper Lake, Calif., and attended Mendocino College in Mendocino and the University of Alaska Anchorage. He was also a graduate of the Alaska Correction Officer Academy.

He is survived by his wife Debra and their three children, Scott, 14, Catherine, 13, and Mark, 12.

Donations to the Jamie Hesterberg Memorial Fund can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank branch (account # 1012180533) or through the Public Safety Employees Association, 4300 Boniface Pky #116, Anchorage, AK 99504. Information concerning funeral services was not available at press time.