Simple solution to prison woes
It’s unfortunate the Herald-Standard didn’t talk to the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association about the shortage of corrections officers at SCI-Fayette (“Inmates, staff endure prison growing pains,” Aug. 23) because there’s a simple solution. Pass Senate Bill 689. Right now, hundreds of openings for corrections officers are going unfilled all across the state because the Department of Corrections is trying to save money.
This legislation would mandate the department fill all existing openings immediately with new hires – not sit and hope officers from other institutions eventually transfer.
That’s poor public policy, and it puts lives in danger.
Roy Pinto
Harrisburg
The writer is vice president of the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association.
Daughter’s enlistment hailed
Recently my daughter Kim Price enlisted in the Air Force Reserves. She is 24 years old and decided it was time to redirect her life. In my opinion, this was a very brave and mature decision.
Many people hearing this news reacted with surprise. For one thing, Kim is “full of personality” and the thought of her in basic training is hard to imagine. Even Kim admits and tells everyone she can use the discipline. With the vulnerable state of the world, and the problems with Iraq, everyone wonders why she would do this at this time.
Thank heavens Kim and many other young people feel the pride to defend our country.
These brave people make it possible for an all-volunteer military to protect our freedom.
This gives others the opportunity to pursue their own dreams without fear of a draft as in the past. This decision was not a spur of the moment idea. Kim went to different branches of the service and talked to different recruiters.
She also had friends who were in the service and have returned from duty, and those who just enlisted which also gave her a lot of information. She even went so far as to “study” for the enlistment test so she could choose what field she wanted. She will be training in the field of Medivac.
When asked if I was worried, I replied as any parent would, of course, but I worry about all four of my daughters every day, and I support the decisions they make with their lives.
I applaud Kim and all the brave young, and not-so-young men and women of all the military branches both active and veterans. Kim will be leaving for basic training Sept. 21.
Paulette Price
Hopwood
Brownsville’s finest
On Aug. 14 the staff at CrossKeys Human Services Inc., needed police assistance at one of their mental health buildings in Brownsville.
The police responded immediately, and officer who arrived was so empathetic that the client connected very positively with him. The officer transported the client to Brownsville General Hospital, and in that short period of time the client felt free enough to talk with him about many things and I think a friendship was born.
Before the police officer left the hospital I thanked him and told him how appreciative we were for his services. I tried to see his name badge for his last name. Since I couldn’t read it I asked him what it was and his response, “Just call me John.”
I thought about his kindness and then remembered how so many years ago we were taught that the policeman is our friend.
In watching the officer do his duty I thought yes, we all felt as if a friend was helping us. I do believe that the police force wants to be our friend, and I don’t think their philosophy has changed through the years. Unfortunately society’s respect for law and order has certainly changed. Each time these brave men and women answer a call they are putting their lives on the line and many times receive very little appreciation for their service.
The staff of CrossKeys want to publicly say a big “thank you” to “Officer John” for his terrific assistance on Saturday evening.
I would like to add that CrossKeys has always received excellent help from Brownsville police force and sad to say we, too, have been remiss in stating our thanks to them.
They always responded quickly and, I suppose their help was taken for granted because they never let us down. However, I think the time has come to publicly acknowledge the fine men and women who make up the force.
I did find out the last name of the officer. Our thanks to Brownsville officer John Kauer, AKA “Just Call Me John.”
Sister James Ann Germuska, executive director
CrossKeys Human Services Inc.