Correctional Officer Virgil Reel was killed in a two-vehicle accident at the entrance to the Putnamville Correctional Facility in Greencastle.

   While on duty, as he drove on County Road 200 West to the kennel across U.S. 40 to perform K-9 duties, his northbound pickup was struck by a semitrailer traveling eastbound and died at the scene. The driver of the semitrailer was not injured and no citations were issued.

   He was responsible for training, feeding, sanitation and general care of the K-9 units when their primary handlers were not on duty. He had previously been a member of the facility emergency squad, serving as a squad leader prior to joining the K-9 team.

   Correctional Officer Reel, from Pimento, was survived by his wife, two daughters, stepson, brother, sister and parents. His father had also worked at the facility as a guard.

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This officer, discovered in 2026, has not been submitted for consideration as an eligible line of duty death to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund by the Indiana Department of Correction.