AFSCME mourns fallen Minnesota Corrections Officer Joseph Gomm, who was killed on the job Wednesday at the Stillwater State Prison outside of the Twin Cities.
Thursday’s convention proceedings began with a moment of silence for Officer Gomm. Jerry Firkus, a corrections officer at the Minnesota Correctional Facility – Moose Lake and member of Local 3887 (Council 5), spoke of the dedication and commitment of Officer Gomm and all corrections officers.
“We mourn Officer Gomm, who had just celebrated 16 years on the job. And we send our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones,” Firkus said. “In his honor, my fellow corrections officers and I re-dedicate ourselves to protecting our neighbors. We are more committed than ever to doing professional work that keeps our communities safe.”
A second speaker, Local 600 (Council 5) President John Hillyard, urged delegates to never take for granted the time we have with friends and loved ones, and asked delegates to hug the people next to them.
President Lee Saunders called on delegates to donate to AFSCME’s Fallen Heroes fund on behalf of Officer Gomm.