Working for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections is more than just a job. You gain a family.
One of ODOC’s own was struck with tragedy recently, and the ODOC family rallied around Ryan Meyer, case manager at Lexington Assessment and Reception Center, after he lost his home to a fire.
It wasn’t hard for an ODOC correctional officer in the tower at the Lexington prison to spot the billowing black smoke coming from Meyer’s nearby home.
Officer Brady Corrnett informed Meyer about the emergency around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5. By the time the ODOC case manager arrived, his home and belongings were already consumed by smoke and flames.
“I turned down the road and all I saw were lights,” Meyer said.
This week, the family returned home to sift through the debris.
“My guess is that it’s a total loss,” stated Meyer.
Most everything belonging to the blended family of nine is gone, including a memorial to Ryan’s late wife, who lost her battle with cancer.
“I tried keeping a strong face for the kids,” Meyer said. “When my daughter commented about Mommy’s memorial, I lost it. I had pictures of my late wife. We had our wedding rings in there and her ashes.”
There is nothing left of the artificial Christmas tree. The pantry, stuffed with holiday food, is charred. But the Meyers were able to rescue a few treasured possessions.
His childhood dresser and belongings withstood the flames, including his Department of Corrections badge and Navy medals.
And Ryan’s wife, Haley, discovered a jingle of relief behind a burned bedroom door.
“Oh my gosh,” the marathon runner gasped. “At least we know my medals survived. That’s a big win.”
The Meyer family has a long road ahead, but they won’t travel it alone. The Lexington community and ODOC rallied around them in a huge way, gifting them with clothes, school supplies, money and more.
“I cannot complain about Lexington, Oklahoma, the school district or the Department of Corrections,” Meyer said. “They have truly been there for me and I am grateful for that.”
A GoFundMe account was set up by a family friend to assist the Meyer family in their recovery.
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