This is in response to an article written by Assemblyman Gary Finch in The Citizen on June 18, 2007. It was well written and addressed the concerns for the future of those securing our prisons throughout New York state. It speaks of the fact that if a correctional officer stays employed beyond their 25-year minimum, they receive the same retirement pay and benefits as if they had only stayed their actual 25 years of service. His point being, there is no incentive to stay beyond their retirement date.

We need experienced officers to stay on the job to train and be positive role models and leaders for the new young officers coming to the force. Only time and experience can bring that talent.

There are many officers that give their all to the job, sometimes at the expense of their families. This is the kind of officer that would be proud to stay on the force without additional incentive. Many times, however, the person who goes the extra mile needs the support and backing of their administration, local as well as state during difficult times and situations. Certainly this type of work is needed more often than not. Unfortunately, this does not happen; you're pretty much on your own. You and your fellow officers. So the ones who give the most, get the least. Even more than that, they leave with the feeling that the time and effort they put into their career was sometimes not worthwhile and neither were they. How disgraceful.

I suggest that this be addressed and corrected and just maybe then those officers will stay past their 25 years. So listen up DOC administration, and start looking at the whole picture. Start backing your employees; after all, they do represent you.

Mary Jane Cox-Delaney

Auburn