|
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES HONORS 33
EMPLOYEES WHO DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
Commissioner Goord
Presents Medals to 3 |
As part of the ceremony, Commissioner Glenn S. Goord awarded:
- The Medal of Honor for bravery to Officer Glen H. Williams of Green Haven. He repeatedly
placed himself between an armed inmate and Deputy Superintendent George Schneider on
September 27, 2000, to block the inmate's knife attacks in a prison yard on the prison's chief
security officer.
He escorted Mr. Schneider, who sustained multiple stab wounds, from the yard
and then returned to help disarm the inmate. CO Williams, 38, has been an Officer since 1986.
- A Medal of Merit for extraordinary performance to Officer Gary L. Mitchetti of Green Haven.
He was stabbed twice while helping other Officers to disarm and control the inmate attacking
Mr. Schneider. CO Mitchetti, 28, has been an Officer since 1997.
- A Medal of Merit for exceptional contribution to Officer Thomas R. Cassidy while assigned to
Arthur Kill. He came to the aid of victims of a January 16, 2000, fiery multiple-vehicle accident
on the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn.
He assisted in removing victims from a burning vehicle and
then came to aid of the injured in a second vehicle. He then assisted the efforts of medical and
other rescue personnel. CO Cassidy, 30, has been an Officer since 1998. He is now assigned as
an investigator in the Long Island City office of the Department's Office of the Inspector
General.
|
Recognizes 1 current employee
with Medal of Honor,
2 others with Medal of
Merit
NYCHS excerpts from DOCS 2001 Memorial Ceremony press release:
[ALBANY, JUNE 7, 2001] - As bagpipers played, Taps echoed and a rifle squad fired a 21-gun salute, the Department of Correctional Services at 4 p.m. today awarded three current employees medals for extraordinary
service last year while honoring the memory of 33 employees who died in the line of duty as the result of inmate actions since 1861.
|
Excerpts from remarks by Commissioner Glenn S. Goord:. . . .
Governor Pataki joins me in being especially thankful for the presence today of approximately 50 family
members of some of the 33 employees who died in the line of duty. . . .
Today is an important day. It is the day when we officially recommit ourselves to our future by
remembering our past and our present.
When we dedicated this sacred site last year in memory of 32 fallen colleagues, we committed
ourselves to an annual observance honoring those who gave the fullest measure to the people of New
York state. I know we are all proud and humbled to be here today.
This year, we add to the memorial the name of Clinton shop foreman Joseph A. Weitekamp. After
inmates had finished working in the clothing shop on March 18, 1922, he discovered a fire under a
cutting table. After telephoning for assistance, he returned to fighting the shop fire alone while awaiting
reinforcement. Eleven days later, he died from burns and smoke inhalation.
As we said during last year's dedication ceremony, we will continue to search our records to document
the names of other employees who deserve to be added to this memorial.
I am gratified that we have been able to confirm Mr. Weitekamp's ultimate sacrifice and add his name
to this place of honor and remembrance. . . .
|
Among the more than 1,000 guests attending the ceremony at the permanent memorial on the grounds
of the Training Academy in Albany were approximately 50 family members of some of the 33
employees who lost their lives as the result of inmate actions. Also present were 10 of the hostages
from the 1971 riot at Attica and their family members. . . .
Of the 33 fallen employees being remembered today, Governor Pataki said in a statement, "It has been
said that the great majority of people shrink from the ultimate sacrifice, but there are a few who make
it with courage and honor. These few are the heroes of humanity."
The 33rd name added to the memorial this year is that of Clinton shop foreman Joseph A. Weitekamp.
After inmates had finished working in the clothing shop on March 18, 1922, he discovered a fire under
a cutting table in the shop. After telephoning for assistance, he returned to fighting the fire alone while
awaiting reinforcement. Eleven days later, he died from burns and smoke inhalation.
The 33rd name added to the memorial this year is that of Clinton shop foreman Joseph A. Weitekamp.
After inmates had finished working in the clothing shop on March 18, 1922, he discovered a fire under
a cutting table in the shop. After telephoning for assistance, he returned to fighting the fire alone while
awaiting reinforcement. Eleven days later, he died from burns and smoke inhalation.
Commissioner Goord said, "As we said during last year's dedication ceremony, we will continue to
search our records to document the names of other employees who deserve to be added to this
memorial. I am gratified that we have been able to confirm Mr. Weitekamp's ultimate sacrifice and
add his name to this place of honor and remembrance." . . .
|
