Lawsuit Testimonials
Speak out! By speaking
out you can help us to help others within our dangerous profession.
Please e-mail
us about your experiences with the Washington Staff Assault Task
Force TM.
Sgt. Jimmie Fletcher from Monroe Correctional Complex
receives a check for over $500.00 that was garnished from an offender
who assaulted him in September of 2009.
This was a partial payment for a judgment issued in the
Snohomish County court that exceeded $5,000.00.
Sgt. Jimmie Fletcher
In
September of 2009 I was assaulted by a mentally ill offender. At the
time of the incident the injuries I sustained did not appear to be
serious. Like most physical altercations once the adrenalin subsided,
I realized the injuries were more serious than I first thought. I was
taken to the emergency room and was diagnosed with a head concussion
and torn neck muscles.
The Washington State Assault Task
force stepped up and provided me with not only monetary help but also
peer support. Specifically the Task Force is staffed by individuals
that know exactly what Correctional Staff endure every day. That’s
because they are staffed by former and current employees from varies
Correctional facilities throughout the industry. Since the assault
they assisted me in holding the offender accountable for his actions
in the courts. In February 2010 the Snohomish County Courts awarded me
$5,089 dollars for his assaultive actions against me. I would like to
take this opportunity to thank everyone from WSATF for providing my
partners and I avenues to hold offenders accountable for their
actions.
Best wishes,
Sergeant Jim
Fletcher
Officer John Poynor
My name is John Poynor and I’m a Corrections Officer at
Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell, Washington. On October 31st,
2010, I was assaulted by a mentally ill inmate. Initially, the
injuries sustained were not obvious, though once the adrenaline wore
off and based on the facial expression of the nursing staff in the
infirmary, I knew there was trouble. After being transported to the
hospital, I was then told that I had dislocated my shoulder and tore
up a number of muscles and tendons that would require surgery to fix
correctly. I ended up spending 6 ½ hours on the operating table
repairing the damage this inmate had inflicted.
Before and after the surgery one individual, outside my
family and a few Correctional Officers, kept in contact with me and
that individual is Keith Rapp with the Washington Staff Assault Task
Force TM (WSATF). After this unfortunate assault I truly understand the
meaning of what the WSATF stands for. The WSATF not only provided me
a monetary stipend but peer support from individuals who had been
there. Included with all this support was the Task Force’s assistance
in holding the inmate accountable for his actions through the civil
court process.
With all of this support from Keith Rapp and the WSATF,
I had asked what else I could do to support the mission of the WSATF.
Keith offered me the opportunity to speak in front of the Washington
State House and Senate and discuss what not only happened to me but
how this bill (HB 1334) streamlines the process of collection for
civil judgments of assault. The garnishment procedure is slow,
burdensome, and expensive. It would be easy to implement because the
system for deductions already exists. This bill provides
accountability and deterrence, by taking away an inmate's ability to
purchase creature comforts. Being assaulted is not part of a
correction officer's job. It is difficult to deter an inmate who is
already serving a life sentence. Assaults can have a profound impact
on corrections officers. Civil judgments of assault work to deter the
majority of inmates and help to teach social responsibility.
In March 2011, the Franklin County Courts awarded me
$5,039 dollars for this inmate’s action against me. I would like to
take this opportunity to say thank you to Keith Rapp, Brandon Johnson,
Jimmy Fletcher, Jack Richardson, Darren Kelly from the Washington
Staff Assault Task Force TM; Bob Maroon, California Staff Assault Task
Force; Keith Brodhead, Walla Walla State Penitentiary and the staff
from the WSATF by providing my partners and I, avenues to hold
offenders accountable for their actions.
Sincerely,
John
Poynor
Corrections Officer
Coyote Ridge Corrections Center
Officer Jeff Bjork
My name is Jeffrey Bjork. I was a new officer working
in the Special Offender Unit at Monroe Correctional Complex when I was
attacked by an inmate who had slipped a hand out of his waist chains
on March 1st 2009. Myself and my partner were viscously attacked by
the offender who was upset about being transferred to Walla Walla. I
was rushed to the hospital by ambulance and treated for my injuries
which were extensive; my nose was broken in several places, I required
stitches to the back of my head and received traumatic back and neck
injuries. I had to have surgery on my nose.
Two days later before I even knew about the Task Force, Keith Rapp and
Bob Davis were at my home talking to me and my wife about the attack.
A couple of days later, I received a very substantial benefit check in
the mail.
Not only did the WSATF provide financial assistance at a time that my
family really needed it, but Keith became a good friend. We spent many
hours together in person when he was in town, or we talked on the
phone when he wasn’t.
The cool thing is that I did get my day in court. The Task Force paid
all of the fees that were necessary to initiate a civil lawsuit
against my attacker and to serve the inmate. Keith came to town and
went to court with me on three different occasions. After a telephonic
hearing at the Snohomish County Court, I was awarded over $5,000 in a
judgment.
Jeff Bjork
MCC
Officer Keith Broadhead
My name is Keith Broadhead; I have worked at the
Washington State Penitentiary for 20 years.
I am glad that there is an organization of our own that looks out for
correctional staff. We are not merely employees; we are fathers,
mothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, brothers and sisters that
go to work to perform our duties, while our loved ones wait for us to
come home safely every day.
We work “behind the scenes” in the criminal justice world, and I think
that we should have the same civil rights and support that law
enforcement who work the streets have.
If you punch a police officer you know that you will be held
accountable for your actions; if you are attacked by a prisoner it has
always been considered as “part of the job.” We’re not paid, nor have
we signed on to be assaulted. We work in a dangerous environment where
we’re sometimes outnumbered 200 to 1. Having worked as a full time law
enforcement officer I can assure you that a correctional officer sees
more convicted felons in one day than most street cops see in their
entire career.
The general public doesn’t think about us much, because they are
excluded from the prison element; safely I might add because of what
we do.
So, I am pleased that the WSATF has come forward to think about us, to
provide support when we are assaulted and most importantly to hold the
inmates accountable for their actions.
Since becoming a member of I was “thrown on” by an inmate. I contacted
the WSATF, and received an assault benefit check in a short amount of
time. The happy note to this story is that a civil lawsuit has been
filed against the inmate who exposed me to his blood and body fluids;
and I have a date in court to address the situation.
Keith Broadhead
WSP
Sergeant Michael Boe
I am a Shift
Sergeant at the Special Offenders Unit of the Monroe Correctional
Complex … I have been a DOC employee for over thirteen years -- both
in the state of Florida and in Washington … in early January of 2009
while directing the placement of an inmate into a four-point restraint
bed, I was assaulted by that mentally ill inmate … I was kicked in the
groin and I was out of work for three days … I wrote a 704 infraction
against the inmate … I filled out the prerequisite accident report,
went to the hospital for examination, and was notified that my L&I
paperwork was being processed … and I expected nothing more …
It has always been my firm belief that any kind of staff assault is
NOT an expectation of our job … police officers do not become officers
so that they can get shot and killed … firemen don't go into their
jobs expecting to die in a fire … we don't become custody officers to
get maimed or kicked or beat with a broom handle or thrown on or spat
upon … in spite of public opinion, these are NOT realistic
expectations …
In
mid-January I became a charter member of the Washington Staff Assault
Task Force TM at MCC … I learned that I would be receiving monetary
assistance and that WSATF would be initiating a law suit against the
inmate on my behalf … much to my pleasant surprise, both were
accomplished in very short order … and not only for me but for my
fellow officers as well … I am now a happy MCC field representative
for WSATF … if you are not a member, join today!!!
Michael Boe
Correctional
Sergeant
MCC SOU
Sergeant Terry Paolino
My name is Terry Paolino; I work at the
Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla as a Correctional
Sergeant. As I was leaving work one day I saw Keith Rapp who used to
work at W.S.P. at the gate house soliciting support for a new
organization called the Washington Staff Assault Task Force TM (WSATF)
The Task Force holds offenders civilly responsible for their actions
when they assault staff. I have always believed that they’re should be
more consequences for an offender that assaulted staff, so I joined on
the spot.
On October 30, 2008 I was attacked by an inmate. I was off work for a
week and still have problems with my shoulders.
When I joined I had no idea that I would be the one of the ones to put
the Task Force to the test. I am happy to report that the Task Force
stepped up to the plate as soon as they learned of my assault. Mr.
Rapp contacted me and obtained all the information he needed to set
the wheels in motion. The Task Force took care of all the paperwork
and fees needed to sue this offender and put it before the court. We
now have a summary judgment against this Offender. This Offender will
owe me $4000.00 when the final judgment is signed.
Terry Paolino
Correctional Sergeant
WSP
The
final judgment was signed by a judge in Walla Walla County shortly
after Terry wrote this testimonial. Inmate Garcia-Ruiz was held
responsible for his actions, and now owes Sgt. Paolino $4,032.40.
Officer Jack
Richardson
My name is Jack Richardson
and I am a Correctional Sergeant at Airway Heights Corrections Center,
I just wanted to write this testimonial for the Assault Task Force.
As soon as the representatives for the Assault Task Force gave their
schpeal at my prison I was sold. I can’t tell you how many uses of
force, and assaults I have been involved in over the past 14 plus
years. I guess that is just my luck. Wrong place wrong time, first one
on scene, quickest reflexes, etc.
Now we have an organization for us. An organization that takes care of
their own "us" in corrections and law enforcement.
Who else can say that they get paid time off, a check for $200.00, and
someone to represent them in court with the judge and sue this dirt
bag that just assaulted you.
Now speaking from personal experience I got $450.00 in assault checks
and sued one of the dirt bags for $5000.00 in court. Hell I bought a
new 1911 pistol with my checks. So if you look at it these dirt bags
bought me a new pistol and now that I sued through the Assault Task
Force and got the judgment one of those sons of bitches will be paying
me out of his LFO fund until it is paid off.
In closing I just wanted all who read this on the web page to know it
is nice to have an organization that takes care of us and sticks it to
the inmates. I know that me and my new 45 acp thank the Task
Force!!!!
Sincerely,
Big Jack
Big Jack did have his day in court. His
final judgment was for $5,054.00
In September of 2009 I was assaulted by a mentally ill offender. At
the time of the incident the injuries I sustained did not appear to be
serious. Like most physical altercations once the adrenalin subsided,
I realized the injuries were more serious than I first thought. I was
taken to the emergency room and was diagnosed with a head concussion
and torn neck muscles.
The Washington State Assault Task force stepped up and provided me
with not only monetary help but also peer support. Specifically the
Task Force is staffed by individuals that know exactly what
Correctional Staff endure every day. That’s because they are staffed
by former and current employees from varies Correctional facilities
throughout the industry. Since the assault they assisted me in holding
the offender accountable for his actions in the courts. In February
2010 the Snohomish County Courts awarded me $5,089 dollars for his
assaultive actions against me. I would like to take this opportunity
to thank everyone from WSATF for providing my partners and I avenues
to hold offenders accountable for their actions.
Best wishes,
Sergeant Jim Fletcher
Thanks for the opportunity to let "My
Brothers in Blue" know about the quick response that the WSATF
provided to me after my assault. On my "Vacation Friday" last year we
were conducting movement from Mainline in one of the closed custody
receiving units at Washington Corrections Center (WCC). My partner was
talking to an inmate that seemed a little agitated. I proceeded to
complete lock up while he dealt with the offender. As things go in our
business, the inmate began to spit on my partner, so I secured the
doors and assisted putting a spit hood on the hin; things escalated
from there. The offender came off the wall and began spitting, kicking
and clawing at us. During the assault I injured my thumb. I went to
the hospital, had it checked out and left for vacation that night.
When I returned to work my partner reminded me about the assault
benefits available through WSATF. I contacted Keith Rapp, he made
applying for the benefit easy and within a week I received a check
from the Task Force. Keith and the other professionals at WSATF were
quick to respond, and helpful with the paperwork needed to hold the
inmate accountable for the assault. This is truly an organization that
understands the concerns and needs of Corrections Officers.
Mike Kewley
WCC
I just wanted to say thank you. When I was
assaulted by an offender at Washington Correction Center I was a
member of WSATF (and still am). You were there for me and my family
when DOC did not seem to care. I have worked in corrections for nearly
six years and have seen a lot of staff assaults go unanswered and
unpunished. It is not right. I know we walk through the gates every
day not knowing what is going to happen, but to know that the WSATF
"has our back" is a nice piece of mind.
On another note I just wanted you to know, as of today the offender
who assaulted me has NOT yet been referred for charges. Yet he
admitted in his 704 hearing that he did it.
Officer Ricker
WCC
When I was spit on, hitting me in the face I
submitted my report to the WSATF that night via e-mail. The Task Force
responded to me directly that night. Within one week, Mr. Rapp met
with me personally and presented me with a benefit check. He was
professional and personable and took my concerns personally. This is a
great organization and a great benefit, and you cannot beat the cost.
Thanks Keith.
Dave Niles
AVCC
A lot of officers have been asking me if I
received my benefits from the Task Force, and I have nothing but good
things to say about you guys. I was really impressed on how quickly I
received my check and how easy it was to receive benefits. Although
most officers up here at CBCC are already joined up with the WSATF, I
do encourage any new officers to sign up. It really is a very good
program to be a part of.
Mitchell Whorton
CBCC
On 7-21-09 I was thrown on by an offender and
had to get a blood draw at the local hospital. I sent an e-mail to the
Washington Staff Assault Task Force TM and they got back to me almost
immediately. Once they took the information I received a check
quickly.
Sean McGrady
MCC
I am a corrections officer at Airway Heights
Corrections Center. I was recently assaulted by an inmate when he
sprayed me with water in the kitchen. A few days prior to that
incident I had turned in paperwork to Darren Kelly (the AHCC WSATF
contact) to enroll in the organization. Yesterday I received a check
for the incident. Thank you for all you guys do...it is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Timothy J Smith
AHCC
I am writing with regard to an incident that
took place at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla on
02.23.2010. On that morning I was working at my job as a Corrections
Officer on the east side of a living unit when I was assaulted by an
inmate. Thankfully the training I received, coupled with the quick
response of fellow officers and counselors in the unit at the time,
meant that the incident was short lived and injuries minimized. I was
however injured during the assault. A sprain to my right knee meant
that I was out of work for almost two weeks.
I contacted Keith Rapp two days later and he was both professional and
courteous toward me and the assault I had experienced. Within a week I
received a check from the Washington Staff Assault Task Force TM. Keith
then contacted me not just to ensure that I had received my benefit
check, but also to make sure I was doing ok.
Although my experience on that day is one I would rather forget, my
experience with the WSATF is something I will never forget.
Thanks again
C/O Nunan, Joe
WSP
My name is Keith Broadhead; I have worked at the Washington State
Penitentiary for 20 years.
I am glad that there is an organization of our own that looks out for
correctional staff. We are not merely employees; we are fathers,
mothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, brothers and sisters that
go to work to perform our duties, while our loved ones wait for us to
come home safely every day.
We work “behind the scenes” in the criminal justice world, and I think
that we should have the same civil rights and support that law
enforcement who work the streets have.
If you punch a police officer you know that you will be held
accountable for your actions; if you are attacked by a prisoner it has
always been considered as “part of the job.” We’re not paid, nor have
we signed on to be assaulted. We work in a dangerous environment where
we’re sometimes outnumbered 200 to 1. Having worked as a full time law
enforcement officer I can assure you that a correctional officer sees
more convicted felons in one day than most street cops see in their
entire career.
The general public doesn’t think about us much, because they are
excluded from the prison element; safely I might add because of what
we do.
So, I am pleased that the WSATF has come forward to think about us, to
provide support when we are assaulted and most importantly to hold the
inmates accountable for their actions.
Since becoming a member of I was “thrown on” by an inmate. I contacted
the WSATF, and received an assault benefit check in a short amount of
time. The happy note to this story is that a civil lawsuit has been
filed against the inmate who exposed me to his blood and body fluids;
and I have a date in court to address the situation.
Keith Broadhead
WSP
I have observed staff that get the short end of the stick with
Washington’s “entitled inmates” not being held accountable when they
assault our brothers and sisters at work. It is nice to see that there
is finally a way to hold these inmates accountable when Management and
the Attorney General does not. Even if the AG does charge an inmate
for assault, which I know of only one time out of all the assaults
over the years, the inmate holds up the process repeatedly by changing
attorneys and using other legal tactics. At the very least we can see
results faster than the regular process. I just hope that we do not
need your services Keith but if we do at least there is something for
everyone that joins. I hope everyone stays safe.
Dave Roberts
Correctional Officer
MCC TRU
In December of 2007 I was assaulted and injured by an inmate in a
dining hall at the Main Institution of the Washington State
Penitentiary. After I found out about a new organization that has come
to Washington State to support staff that has been assaulted, I
contacted the WSATF. They were very supportive and helpful for me as a
staff member.
Mark Abbott
Correctional Officer
*Officer Abbot received an assault benefit check several days after
his attack. Although his injuries were severe, he returned to work
shortly after the assault.
I was assaulted in Unit Seven at WSP by a new
inmate on the receiving tier. I reached out to the WSATF and am very
pleased with their cause, and impressed by the support they showed me
and my family.
Caleb Wolkenhauer
Correctional Officer
*Officer Wolkenhauer was new to corrections with less than a year
of employment. He expressed appreciation for WSATF’s support.
In September of 2005, I was severely assaulted
while supervising the Main Institution Kitchen at WSP by a convicted
felon. Since that time I have experienced the stress of dealing with
undiagnosed injuries and unresolved issues concerning this life
changing event. The bright side of this ordeal has been the
recognition and assistance offered by the WSATF who have stood behind
me and continue to stand by my family’s side. No one can convince us
not to participate in this worthwhile organization.
Clyde Wallingford
Correctional Sergeant
*At the time of his vicious assault, Sgt. Wallingford was a senior
employee with 32 years of experience working for DOC. Although his
injuries were extensive he has returned to work.
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