WITH DEEP RESPECT — PEF Division 236 Council Leader Willis Toms commends the work of fellow parole officers during a ceremony dedicating the state's new Parole Officers' Memorial. — Photo by Deborah A. Miles

600 attend dedication ceremony
PEF honors parole officers at dedication of new memorial

By DEBORAH A. MILES
After a three-day rain, the sun appeared on May 16 as if to bless those who gathered for the dedication of a memorial honoring state parole officers who have died in the line of duty.

A warm breeze carried the mournful sound of a bagpipe in the sunlit garden behind the Legislative Office Building at Albany’s Empire State Plaza — home of the new memorial.
Approximately 600 parole officers and their families stood in silence for the national anthem and bowed their heads during the opening prayer.

Union leaders and state officials praised the service of parole officers, and saluted those who were slain.
“The word ‘hero’ has been used often since September 11, 2001. But the 1,400 parole officers of New York state are truly hometown heroes every day,” said PEF President Roger Benson.

Risking their lives
“Parole officers know that at any moment, they may have to risk their lives. That is why PEF continues to fight for legislation and public policies that will strengthen the parole system. Our aim is to improve staffing which, in turn, will reduce the danger for officers and the public,” Benson said.

Willis Toms, council leader of PEF Division 236 at the state Division of Parole (DOP), also addressed the audience — hundreds of whom traveled to Albany by bus.

“Today, we honor the service, valor and ultimate sacrifice of our fallen parole officers: Barry Sutherland, Raymond Rinaldi, Brian Rooney, Anthony Libertone, Theodore Clark and Sharyn Debose-Dover.

“We pray that their souls may have found their final peace and their families the acceptance of their calling,” Toms said.

During the ceremony, Division of Parole Chairman Brion D. Travis presented the governor’s proclamation, officially designating May 16 as Parole Officer’s Day.

Benson and Travis presented framed American flags to family and friends of those being honored, and members of the Parole Officers Association (POA) placed wreaths in front of the memorial.

Now a reality
PEF Executive Board Member Gary Stern, co-chair of the Parole Officers Memorial Committee, said the idea for the memorial started with former Division 236 Council Leader Michael Bell in 1995.

Through the efforts of PEF and others, legislation was finally passed creating a site and initial funding. The California Peace Officers also donated start-up monies.

PEF members at the state Division of Parole raised additional funds through an annual two-day relay race from New York City to Albany and other events.

Stern said the union worked closely with the state to erect a fitting memorial,

“Willis Toms moved this project forward with the development of a special statewide labor-management committee in September 2001,” Stern added. “We are grateful to many individuals who helped make the memorial a reality.”

The committee members included Thomas Grant, special assistant to the DOP chairman; Carole Weaver, committee secretary; Thomas Herzog, director of special tactical projects; and PEF Director of Labor Relations Roger Scales.

The Communicator
July/August 2002
The Official Online Edition of
The New York State Public Employees Federation

Inside This Issue:
Features
ERI, 25/55 retirement options
FAQs about ERI and 25/55
Contract Success: Schools for the Deaf & Blind
PEF testifies on adult homes
Funding restored for youth program
Workload hurting nursing-home surveyors
Member works to empower newcomers to USA

Departments
President's Message: Mobilization forms results
You Said It:
Member Mobilization: Get your Division mobilized
Members mailbag
Legislative Action: privacy & parking
Health Notes: Empire Plan enrollees counter costs
Retirees In Action: Legislative issues homework
PEF Membership Benefits Program &
Travel Corp: We've Moved to HQ

Union Matters
PEF PS&T members: Contract Survey
Union honors parole officers
Four E. Board seats filled, one at T&F vacant
PEF Scholarships Galore
NYS Museum, Archives, Library to stay at SED
Fight Back Against Privatization" Award Nomination Form
PEF committee targets civil service issues

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