Unseen heroes key to smooth corrections operations From left, Jim Dunn, motor equipment mechanic, Brendan Walsh, motor vehicle operator and Matt Haight, motor vehicle operator, inspect the drivetrain of a heavy equipment vehicle. BEACON — When thinking of workers at a state prison, it’s the uniformed corrections officers that may most likely come to mind. What many people don’t know, however, is that CSEA members working in the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision are the behind-the-scenes force holding together a state agency that, like most others, has seen little investment from Gov. Andrew Cuomo despite aging facilities and equipment. Keeping it together Take the mechanics and motor vehicle operators at Fishkill Correctional Facility, for example. With a fleet of aging trucks and prisoner vans, mechanics there have stepped up and saved taxpayers countless dollars due to their mechanical expertise and talent for keeping older vehicles safely running. The motor vehicle operators are given great responsibility, transporting nearly everything coming in and out of the facility. That includes handling sensitive materials coming into Fishkill’s Regional Medical Unit, which serves state inmates across several counties. “While our jobs are largely behind the scenes, our members are doing important work that keeps our facility running smoothly and safely for workers, inmates and the greater community,” said Fishkill Correctional Facility Local President Ed Timberger. CSEA members working in DOCCS facilities across the state never quit doing the proactive work, maintenance and upkeep that keeps buildings and equipment in working order. Clean machines Good vehicle maintenance is crucial, Timberger said, because corrections officers often transport inmates for hospital visits, transfers to other facilities or home for family member funerals. With mechanics and motor vehicle operators also stepping up when snow removal duties arise, having an experienced in-house crew ready to deploy simply makes good sense and keeps workers and visitors safe. With the local’s leadership actively involved in CSEA’s Occupational Safety and Health trainings and the state DOCCS Committee, the CSEA work force brings a level of expertise not found elsewhere. “My union...” “My union allows me to protect my interests “Whether you’re wearing greens, blues or civilians, our priority is to make sure you’re safe,” Timberger said. “That’s what our people do and they do a great job at it.” at work. While doing that, I’m protecting the interests of those around me because we are all in this together.” — Steve Marcinkowski, senior custodian, Indian River School District and Jefferson County Local member. Timberger — Jessica Ladlee April 2016 The Work Force 7
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