A Maryland corrections officer who worked at the same lockup for two decades died in a truck crash hours after his long-awaited retirement party on New Year’s Eve.
John Raymond Nicholson, affectionately known as “Big Nic” to his colleagues, died after he lost control of his 2020 Dodge pickup truck and slammed into a pole near the Crain and Defense Highways around 7:40 p.m., according to the Anne Arundel County Police.
Nicholson, 57, had just rang in his final day at the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections facility, where he worked for 24 years.
His colleagues honored him with a retirement party, where he was photographed beaming and laughing alongside other retirees.
Some of his young coworkers even handcuffed him and paraded him around the facility while squeezing the breast pockets on his uniform — an apparent tradition established by the close-knit staff, according to a video shared on Facebook.
“Many people don’t get to receive their “flowers” while they can still smell them. Although his passing was hours after his retirement, DOC was able to give Big Nic his well-deserved flowers. MCpl. Nicholson will be missed, but he will not be forgotten,” the department wrote.
Nicholson hopped between multiple different roles at the facility, with his last being at the reception desk where he greeted visitors while “usually bringing smiles to people’s faces to start the day,” according to the post.
He eventually rose up to master corporal, a high-ranking leadership position awarded to those who have completed particularly long services. He also earned a Valor Award while serving on the Emergency Response Team, according to the department’s post.
His grieving colleagues and friends described him as a “cornerstone” in their community.
“Definitely a good soul, full of smiles and laughter. You’re one of the best Big Nic,” one friend wrote.
“Nic, you were such a gentle soul and there are just no words to say how much you will be missed,” another added.
Police are still investigating the crash.
