As you all have likely heard, there was an incident in Ely. 3 dead, so far, and 9 stabbed. This was a very dynamic situation that stemmed from gang violence involving white and hispanic inmates. The early details indicate roughly 19 hispanic inmates attacked 8 white inmates. As a result, officers from throughout the state were deployed to ESP, to perform all necessary searches and assist in the investigation. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge some of our brothers and sisters for their heroic and unselfish acts of service.
I am told that Brother Kirkland acted quickly and decisively in deploying force during the actual incident. Early indications are that his swift reaction and accurate placement likely prevented the loss of life for even more inmates. FOP recognizes his excellence in making split second decisions that saved lives on this chaotic day.
To all of the volunteers and CERT members who deployed to ESP from across the state, FOP would like to recognize your unselfish service at a moments notice. Our officers traveled for hours to arrive at the prison and then get right to it. The teams performed searches resulting in the confiscation of dozens of weapons and contraband. There was one extraction and I am told there were no officer injuries as a result.
The professionalism exhibited by all of our brothers and sisters who work at and traveled to ESP, cannot be overstated. If you have not been previously involved in an all day incident like this, it is exhausting and tests the fortitude of the most experienced among us. Our officers maintained their composure amidst an incredibly violent and fluid situation. They persevered through fatigue and extreme stress to perform admirably. FOP would like to represent each and every one of you that worked through this difficult incident with valor and integrity.
*Side note: FOP sent 20 pizzas out to ESP to help feed the officers who likely ran out of or didn’t bring food, to make it through the day. This was the least we could do on short notice to try and help our brothers and sisters.
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