News from New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF)

For more information contact: Darcy Wells, (518) 785-1900 Ext. 277 or (518) 859-1274

PEF, parole officers show support for officer under investigation

SYRACUSE, NY (08/06/2008; 1726)(readMedia)-- Leaders of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) and parole officers represented by PEF will be in Syracuse Thursday, August 7, to show their support for a New York state parole officer whose account of how he was injured during the pursuit of a fleeing parole violator has been questioned.

Officer Christopher Thomas has a proven record in law enforcement that dates back to 1998 when he worked with the state Department of Correctional Services (DOCS). Thomas has worked as a parole officer in Syracuse for the past year.

"The Syracuse community is being denied the services of a dedicated public servant," said PEF President Ken Brynien. "We stand behind Officer Thomas during this difficult time. It's important for the Syracuse community to know that the presumption of innocence should prevail throughout the anticipated proceedings."

Thomas was assigned to office duties as a result of an investigation into the apprehension of a fleeing parolee December 19, 2007.

Parole officers from as far away as New York City and Albany will be in Syracuse to show support for Thomas.

"Officer Thomas is committed to making the streets of Syracuse and the surrounding communities safe," said PEF Division 236 Council Leader and NYC parole officer Manuelita Clemente. "He was injured in the line of duty. As parole officers we understand the danger Officer Thomas faces on a daily basis. We are proud to stand alongside Officer Thomas during this most difficult time."

PEF is New York's second-largest state-employee union, representing 59,000 professional, scientific and technical employees including 1,100 parole officers.

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