A Maryland corrections officer died in a single-car crash hours after retiring on New Year’s Eve.
Officer John Nicholson gave 25 years of his life to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections before retiring Dec. 31.
“Everyone was celebrating him; everyone was celebrating his success; everyone was celebrating what he accomplished,” acting Chief of Security Lt. Col. Lee Maximay said.
Maximay says he spent the past 20 years getting to know Nicholson — or Big Nic — learning the ins and outs of how to conduct oneself inside the DOC.
“A lot of things I do today is a reflection of Master Cpl. Nicholson,” he said.
“To me, Big Nic was a mentor,” Maximay said. “He talked to me about life.”
Hours after Nicholson’s final day of service on New Year’s Eve, Anne Arundel County police responded to Route 3 and Highway 450 in Crofton for a report of a single-car crash about 7:40 p.m. When officers arrived, they discovered a Dodge truck had struck a pole, killing the driver, who investigators identified as Nicholson.
“It was devastating; it was sad, confused,” Maximay said. “It was not good at all.”
Authorities are investigating what caused the crash.
Those who knew Nicholson say his life is a reminder of celebrating and being present for those close to you.
“Spread joy; spread happiness,” Maximay said. “Be there for your coworkers; be there for your friends; be there for your family members. He would encourage us not to wait until retirement to take those vacations, to spend time with your family, to spend time with your loved ones.”
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