ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — Loved ones, family and friends paid respect to fallen Blair County Correctional Officer, Rhonda Russell, who was killed while on duty at Altoona Central Court.

Russell was on duty Wednesday, Nov. 17, when an inmate at the court began to struggle with her over her firearm. An officer in the building shot at the inmate, but the bullet struck Russell instead. She was rushed to UPMC Altoona where she was pronounced dead.

The memorial, which was open to the public, took place at the Blair County Convention Center before a private ceremony with family headed to Blair Memorial Park later that afternoon.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Central PA Humane Society and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital per the family’s request.

Central Pa Humane Society
1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd.
Altoona, Pa. 16602

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105