July 30 Deemed Corrections Officer Day in New Jersey

July 30th has been deemed "Corrections Officer Day" in New Jersey.  The bill has received final legislative approval and now heads to the governor's desk.  The measure, "Fred Baker's Law," is named after Senior Corrections Officer Fred Baker who was brutally stabbed to death by an inmate at Bayside State Prison in Leesburg on July 30, 1997.

"Corrections officers in New Jersey work in extremely demanding conditions and face danger in the workplace every single day.  It is important that we honor these individuals for all they do to keep the public safe and that we never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our facilities," said bill co-sponsor Senator Jeff Van Drew.  "This measure will establish an annual Corrections Officer Day in New Jersey in recognition of all the officers who have made it their life's work to safeguard the public from dangerous offenders and to help rehabilitate prisoners to make them productive members of society.

This day will also honor Senior Officer Baker, who will always be remembered for his bravery and his service at Bayside State Prison, as well as all of those whose lives were lost while working to protect and improve the lives of others."