[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 70 (Monday, May 21, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5278-S5279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 92--TO DESIGNATE THE WEEK BEGINNING JUNE 3, 2001, AS 
         ``NATIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES WEEK''

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Helms, 
Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Voinovich, Mr. Domenici, Mr. Warner, Mr. Gramm, Mr. 
Hatch, Mr. Thurmond, Mr. McCain, Mr. Biden, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Levin, Mr. 
Dodd, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Conrad, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Bingaman, 
Mr. Schumer, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Brownback, Mr. Kennedy, 
Mr. Cochran, Mr. Allen, Mr. Daschle, and Mrs. Lincoln) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
Judicary:

[[Page S5279]]

                               S. Res. 92

       Whereas the operation of correctional facilities represents 
     a crucial component of our criminal justice system;
       Whereas correctional personnel play a vital role in 
     protecting the rights of the public to be safeguarded from 
     criminal activity;
       Whereas correctional personnel are responsible for the 
     care, custody, and dignity of the human beings charged to 
     their care; and
       Whereas correctional personnel work under demanding 
     circumstances and face danger in their daily work lives: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, 

     SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND 
                   EMPLOYEES WEEK.

       That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week beginning June 3, 2001, as 
     ``National Correctional Officers and Employees Week''; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States to observe the 
     week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution to 
honor correctional officers and employees. This resolution reaffirms 
our support for the thousands of correctional officers and employees 
who work in the face of danger each day, while reforming hardened 
criminals. They deserve our respect and support.
  Nationally more than 200,000 corrections professionals work hard to 
maintain the safety of our communities. We must never forget that this 
is an often stressful and dangerous occupation. Nor can we forget the 
sacrifices made by those courageous individuals who have been injured 
or killed in the line of duty. Officers put their lives on the line 
every time they begin a shift.
  Tragically, correctional officers have been permanently injured and 
killed in the line of duty. There have been over 356 men and women who 
have died while on duty. This year, we honor Wilmot A. Burnett, Lee 
Dunn, Raymond Curtis, Michael Price, Allen Gamble, Peter Hillman, Jason 
Acton, Leon Egly, William Giacomo, Alvin Glenn, and Allen Myers, who 
have all been killed during the past year.
  Most of us leave for work knowing that we will return home safe and 
sound at the end of the day. While we take this peace of mind for 
granted, correctional officers are not afforded this luxury.
  On June 6, 2000, Sergeant Allen Gamble, a correctional officer at 
Oklahoma State Reformatory was fatally stabbed in the throat as he 
attempted to help a fellow officer who was being attacked by a 
prisoner. Sergeant Gamble was survived by his wife, Sherri and his four 
children. Equally disturbing is the case of Officer Jason Coryell, a 
correctional officer at the Arizona State Prison Complex. On August 25, 
200, Officer Jason Croyell was stabbed three times in the stomach when 
an inmate refused to be handcuffed. Though the wound was severe, 
Officer Coryell returned to work in November, 2000.
  Officers Gamble and Coryell exemplify the heroism that takes place 
each day in our nation's correctional facilities. They remind us how 
individual acts of heroism are a regular part of the job among 
correctional officers and employees.
  In addition to dealing with society's most hardened criminals, 
correctional officers and employees also seek to reform offenders. They 
play an important role in lowering recidivism rates. And through 
literacy programs and vocational training they help transform criminals 
into productive, law abiding members of society. This is not an easy 
task.
  Correctional officers and their families and friends endure a 
tremendous amount of stress and sacrifice. Prison security never takes 
a break, which often means that officers work all hours of the day and 
night, weekends, and holidays. I hope with this resolution we can honor 
and recognize this sort of commitment and sacrifice, not just this 
week, but throughout the year.
  America's correctional officers and employees efforts to make our 
world a better, safer place too often go unnoticed. Few of us can truly 
appreciate the perils faced daily by our correctional officers. With 
this resolution we reflect on the contributions correctional officers 
have made to keep our communities safe. This is why I am pleased to 
submit this resolution to establish June 3-10, 2001, as Correctional 
Officers and Employees Week.

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