1955
INMATE POPULATION DECEMBER 31, 1955: 4,829
Assistant Superintendent James G. Godwin is shot and killed during an escape attempt by inmate George Arthur Heroux at Florida State Prison on April 4, 1955. Louie Wainwright (who would later be Secretary of the Department of Corrections), Lawrence E. Dugger (whose son would later be Secretary of the Department of Corrections, replacing Wainwright) and Correctional Officer Les Dobbs are in the group that is attacked by this inmate (who had a gun smuggled in by a female visitor). The inmate was trying to flee through the main gate when he encountered the small entourage of staff in his way. He was able to fire a few rounds, one of which wounded Wainwright, another injured Dobbs and another killed Godwin. The inmate was subdued and later died in prison.
Assistant Superintendent
James G. Godwin
Click here to listen to Secretary Wainwright tell what happened.
J.G. Godwin was shot and killed during an escape attempt. This photo shows Asst. Superintendent Godwin with his favorite horse, named Dan. (Photo courtesy of Bradford County Telegraph.)
On April 4, 1955 Louie Wainwright was shot by inmate George A. Heroux during an attempted escape. (Photo courtesy of FPC.)
Officer Les D. Dobbs was also shot by inmate Heroux during the attempted escape. (Photo courtesy of FPC.)
George Heroux, on the FBI's ten most wanted list, was captured on July 25, 1952 as told in this Florida Times Union article. Click image for larger view. (Newspaper image courtesy of FPC.)
