Corrections Officer Killed In Crash Hours After His Retirement Party

CROFTON, MD — A master corporal with the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections was killed in a crash the same day he retired from a decades-long career, according to the department.

MCpl. John Nicholson of Laurel retired on Wednesday, with a celebration held to see him off, according to the department.

About 7:40 p.m. that evening, the 57-year-old Laurel resident’s pickup truck went off the road and crashed into a pole in Crofton, The Baltimore Banner reported, noting Nicholson died at the scene. He was the only person in the truck.

The crash occurred on northbound Crain Highway at Defense Highway in Crofton, according to police.

Known as “Big Nic” at work, Nicholson began his career in 2001 and most recently worked in reception, according to his employer, which reported he received a Valor Award while serving on the department’s Emergency Response Team.

“Although his passing was hours after his retirement, DOC was able to give Big Nic his well-deserved flowers,” the department said in a social media post. “MCpl. Nicholson will be missed, but he will not be forgotten."