Brothers and Sisters -

I'm sure many of you have been following the terrible hostage crisis that has been unfolding over the last few days at the Delaware Department of Corrections. 

Four corrections employees were taken hostage at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna, Delaware on Wednesday.  Authorities were able to negotiate the release of two officers on Thursday. One corrections staff member was ultimately rescued, and one officer was found dead at the facility early this morning.

This tragedy is another stark reminder of the risks you and your co-workers take every day to serve and protect the public. The timing of this incident is especially troubling given its proximity to the 6th anniversary of the death of our fallen Sister, Officer Jayme Biendl, who was murdered on January 29, 2011 at the Monroe Correctional Complex.

Remember that Safe Call Now is an excellent resource if you are looking to have a confidential conversation with a public safety professional who is familiar with your line of work. Their number is 206-459-3020; you can learn more about that organization here.

The public may not understand the risks you face as you perform heroic work to keep our communities safe. That's why it's so important to know that we can lean on each other at times like these and always have each other's backs. 

Thank you for your incredible service to our communities. Please remember to support each other and always stay safe.

Respectfully, 

Michelle Woodrow
Director of Corrections & Law Enforcement