Public Safety | Page 2 | American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

March 11, 2021

Texas legislature urged to fix crumbling prisons, boost corrections staffing and pensions

AFSCME members ask the Texas legislature to fix crumbling prisons, increase corrections staffing and shore up the pensions they were promised.

March 03, 2021

Puerto Rico’s Mona Island security officers file complaints with the state

Council 95 members who work on Mona Island have filed a complaint citing unsafe and inhumane working conditions.

February 04, 2021

Connecticut AFSCME members use collective action to get vaccines to state prisons

When the State of Connecticut failed to come up with a vaccination plan for prison staff, AFSCME correction officers joined hands and took action – and reaped success.

October 06, 2020

It’s been a year like no other, but don’t tell that to this Oregon emergency manager

Erik Rau is an emergency management planner for the state of Oregon who has helped battle fires, floods and a pandemic – all in a single year.

August 17, 2020

AFSCME commits to landmark policing and criminal justice reforms

AFSCME has adopted a landmark resolution on policing and criminal justice reform.

June 24, 2020

‘The anger is blinding’

DC 37 member and New York paramedic discusses fighting the coronavirus pandemic in a powerful first-person account published by the Washington Post.

May 21, 2020

All EMS Workers Should be Eligible for Federal Benefits Program

The Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program shouldn’t exclude EMS workers based on whom they work for.

May 18, 2020

During National EMS Week, Thank First Responders with More Than Words

This year, National EMS Week comes amid a national emergency of nearly unprecedented proportions. Just as EMS professionals across the country are rising to the challenge, so must the U.S. Senate.

May 11, 2020

Honoring AFSCME Public Safety Members During Law Enforcement Week

Law Enforcement Week is a time to honor the work done by and the sacrifices made by all public safety professionals, especially those who die in the line of duty.

April 15, 2020

911 Operators: ‘The First of the First Responders’

This week is a moment to honor and celebrate the work of 911 operators across the country.

March 31, 2020

A Fragile Balance, Broken

At a California hospital for sexually violent offenders, staff fear a coronavirus outbreak will wreak havoc on their patients.

March 25, 2020

NY Paramedic: ‘Our Most Immediate Concern is a Shortage of Equipment’

Getting protective equipment is the top priority for a New York paramedic fighting the coronavirus.

March 25, 2020

Corrections, EMS Workers Stress Need for Resources in COVID-19 Fight

Corrections and EMS workers demand help from the federal government.

March 20, 2020

AFSCME Calls for More Aid to States, Localities in ‘Phase 3’ Coronavirus Package

AFSCME calls for more aid to state and local governments in Phase 3 coronavirus package.

March 19, 2020

Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic in Prisons

Learn how AFSCME members who work in prisons are confronting the coronavirus pandemic.

March 03, 2020

AFSCME President Addresses Coronavirus, Calls for Member Safety

AFSCME President Lee Saunders has issued a statement on the coronavirus, calling for emergency measures to ensure member safety.

August 26, 2019

Nevada COs First to File for Recognition Since Collective Bargaining Law

Nevada corrections staff want the state to recognize them as AFSCME – the first to seek such recognition this year.

March 07, 2019

A Vital Link in the Chain

911 dispatchers save lives. Unfortunately, their contributions to the emergency response system are often overlooked. A new bill co-sponsored by former AFSCME member Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) will change that.

February 27, 2019

Attorneys for Washington State Seek Collective Bargaining Rights

Assistant attorneys general in Washington state seek collective bargaining rights from the legislature.

December 18, 2018

Copy of MN Member Rick Neyssen Proves Brains Beat Brawn

Good communication has been the unlikely secret to a successful 26-year career for Minnesota Corrections Officer Rick Neyssen, winner of an AFSCME Never Quit Service Award.

December 18, 2018

MN Member Rick Neyssen Proves Brains Beat Brawn

Good communication has been the unlikely secret to a successful 26-year career for Minnesota Corrections Officer Rick Neyssen, winner of an AFSCME Never Quit Service Award.

September 11, 2018

We Remember and Honor on 9/11 Anniversary

When things are at their worst, public service workers are at their best.

March 16, 2018

New Mexico State Employees Make the Case for Wage Increases

New Mexico public service workers are celebrating pay raises for state workers, made possible by AFSCME’s effective advocacy.

March 09, 2018

Running a Marathon for a Good Cause

One of AFSCME’s Connecticut members is running in the Boston Marathon this year for a great cause.

January 28, 2018

‘Rockman’ Returns Home to Serve His Community

Jeffrey Julius, a juvenile probation officer, has dedicated his career to getting Miami’s kids on the right path.

November 27, 2017

Off-Duty Lifeguards Save Stranded Couple in California

These two college-aged lifeguards were off the clock when they saved a drowning couple.

November 02, 2017

Violent Assaults on Staff Increasing in Illinois Prisons, Youth Centers

Assaults on staff in state correctional facilities have increased by 51 percent in the last two years.

October 23, 2017

AFSCME Maryland Leads Fight Against ‘Public Health Crisis’

AFSCME is fighting for expanded mental health services in Maryland despite being chronically understaffed.

October 20, 2017

Iowa Prison Stabbing Leads AFSCME to Demand Action ‘Before Someone Gets Killed’

AFSCME Iowa Council 61 is demanding action from Iowa Department of Corrections officials after two correctional officers were attacked by inmates in less than a week.

October 02, 2017

Off the Streets and into the Fire

Jay Richards, a Boston parking enforcement supervisor, acted on instinct when he rushed into a burning condo. The result? A life saved.

Public Safety Archive

Texas legislature urged to fix crumbling prisons, boost corrections staffing and pensions

Puerto Rico’s Mona Island security officers file complaints with the state

Connecticut AFSCME members use collective action to get vaccines to state prisons

It’s been a year like no other, but don’t tell that to this Oregon emergency manager

AFSCME commits to landmark policing and criminal justice reforms

‘The anger is blinding’

All EMS Workers Should be Eligible for Federal Benefits Program

During National EMS Week, Thank First Responders with More Than Words

Honoring AFSCME Public Safety Members During Law Enforcement Week

911 Operators: ‘The First of the First Responders’

A Fragile Balance, Broken

NY Paramedic: ‘Our Most Immediate Concern is a Shortage of Equipment’

Corrections, EMS Workers Stress Need for Resources in COVID-19 Fight

AFSCME Calls for More Aid to States, Localities in ‘Phase 3’ Coronavirus Package

Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic in Prisons

AFSCME President Addresses Coronavirus, Calls for Member Safety

Nevada COs First to File for Recognition Since Collective Bargaining Law

A Vital Link in the Chain

Attorneys for Washington State Seek Collective Bargaining Rights

Copy of MN Member Rick Neyssen Proves Brains Beat Brawn

MN Member Rick Neyssen Proves Brains Beat Brawn

We Remember and Honor on 9/11 Anniversary

New Mexico State Employees Make the Case for Wage Increases

Running a Marathon for a Good Cause

‘Rockman’ Returns Home to Serve His Community

Off-Duty Lifeguards Save Stranded Couple in California

Violent Assaults on Staff Increasing in Illinois Prisons, Youth Centers

AFSCME Maryland Leads Fight Against ‘Public Health Crisis’

Iowa Prison Stabbing Leads AFSCME to Demand Action ‘Before Someone Gets Killed’

Off the Streets and into the Fire