157-mile trek inspires camaraderie
Union members honor fallen parole officers in relay run

Story and Photos by DEBORAH MILES
Keeping alive the memory of their co-workers who died in the line of duty at the state Division of Parole, more than three dozen PEF members from that agency held their sixth annual relay run on a blustery day in October.

The runners began their 157-mile trek from the Manhattan Parole Office and 30 hours later crossed the “finish line” at the site of the Parole Officers’ Memorial, located in a garden area off Swan Street behind the Legislative Office Building. They each ran five-mile segments to make up the continuous relay along Rt. 9W to raise money to maintain the memorial.

“Parole officers walk a thin line everyday to ensure the safety of citizens. It is the kind of job that has sometimes exacted the ultimate sacrifice,” said PEF President Roger Benson. “The memorial and this relay are tributes to those who sacrificed their lives.”

Funds for new benches
The memorial was erected in 2002 with money raised from previous relay runs. This run will help maintain the memorial that bears the names of six fallen parole officers and hopefully add two more benches near the memorial wall.

“It’s important to remember them,” said Parole Officer Minerva Osorio, who helped organize the relay. “The run is one way to honor their memory and it’s also an opportunity for camaraderie.”

Yvonne Samuel, another member and runner, said her fellow parole officers look forward to the run each year. As one of the organizers, she said plans for the trek begin in mid-summer and include contacting and coordinating with local law enforcement agencies of the numerous cities and counties that provide escorts along the route.

Dangerous duty
She also said the run provides a dual purpose — maintaining the memorial and highlighting the work of parole officers.
“The type of job we have is very dangerous,” Samuel said. “We supervise people who have committed crimes ranging from petty larceny to murder. A lot of these people have spent more time in jail than out of jail.”

She said home visits could be threatening, especially when parole officers go in alone.

“We try to blend into the community so we don’t stand out. I’ve already been on stairwells where guys are sharing a crack pipe or stems. We never know when it will get rough,” Samuel said.

“This run is beneficial in many ways,” she added. “It’s an inspirational event by honoring those who have died and it fortifies us by being together.”

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