COLLINS, N.Y. (WKBW) — 11 correctional officers and one inmate are hospitalized at ECMC due to an unknown chemical exposure at the Collins Correctional Facility.
Kenny Gold, Union President of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, said an inmate attempted to take their own life at the facility on Sunday. According to Gold, officers performed life-saving measures and while rendering aid, began feeling light-headed, and some lost consciousness.
"Everyone was different, but they know they remember one part of the incident, then they ended up in an ambulance," Gold said. "More importantly, there were multiple officers who received Narcan multiple times, just because they didn’t know what was happening."
A total of 11 officers were taken by ambulance to ECMC.
"[The officers] are stable, they are doing okay, all being seen, getting whatever medical tests that need to be done. I’m praying for them and their families," Gold said.
Investigators are looking into what caused this exposure.
NYS senator of the 57th district George Borrello pointed out this isn’t the first incident at the Collins Correctional Facility.
Just over a month ago, an inmate was accused of biting off the tip of an officer's finger.
"I hope that everyone is okay. I apologize that your families have been subjected to this, and that we have made New York State prisons a far more dangerous place for them to work," Sen. Borrello said. "We have a responsibility as state legislators, and certainly the governor has a responsibility, to keep those employees safe.
