Nyscopba PR

05/28/2026

NYSCOPBA’s Legislative Team is pleased to report that NYSCOPBA’s “Death Gamble” legislation has officially been signed into law by Governor Hochul as part of the 2026-2027 Executive Budget. This long sought after benefit modifies the in-service death benefit for members of the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System employed by the State of New York as correction officers and security hospital treatment assistants. The in-service death benefit will be the value of the pension reserve as if the member had retired on their date of death.

This is a tremendous victory for the members of NYSCOPBA and their families. The “Death Gamble” legislation is important because it eliminates the financial penalty placed on the families of officers who choose to continue working past their retirement eligibility date. It allows beneficiaries to receive the same pension benefits as if the member had retired the day before they died, rather than a standard 3x salary death benefit.

NYSCOPBA prioritized this legislation so that our members are not penalized for continuing to serve the people of New York beyond retirement eligibility. Additionally, this bill was a focal point to ensure that the State can retain seasoned, experienced personnel without forcing a mass exodus of staff as soon as they reach retirement age. It guarantees that the families of veteran members of NYSCOPBA who die while still on duty are not left financially devastated, providing peace of mind to public servants who put their lives on the line daily.

Unfortunately, and not for a lack of trying, it took more than 20 years for this legislation to become reality. Since the first version of the “Death Gamble” bill was introduced in 2004, the State of New York has seen five different governors and NYSCOPBA has worked through five administrations. During that time, this legislation faced significant hurdles, including fiscal concerns and four separate vetoes.

Yet, through every challenge, NYSCOPBA remained unwavering in its commitment to this fight.

This victory was not achieved overnight, nor was it accomplished by one person alone. It is the result of years of tireless advocacy and coordinated effort by our dedicated lobbyists, Legislative Director, Legislative/PAC Committee, Executive Board, and countless members who refused to let this issue die. Through annual lobby days, testimony at legislative and budget hearings, meetings with lawmakers, press conferences, member outreach campaigns, op-eds, and persistent engagement with state leaders, the pressure to do what was right for our members never stopped.

I would also be remiss if I did not acknowledge the tremendous amount of time, effort, and persistence that went into helping move this legislation across the finish line. Over the years, I devoted significant time and energy to ensuring the “Death Gamble” legislation remained a top priority, working closely with our Legislative Director, dedicated lobbyists, and Legislative/PAC Committee to continue pushing this issue forward. Through countless meetings, advocacy efforts, budget discussions, legislative outreach, and ongoing engagement with state leaders, we remained committed even when setbacks occurred. At times, the obstacles seemed overwhelming, but we never lost sight of the families this legislation would ultimately protect. Seeing this finally become law after more than two decades of work is a meaningful reminder that persistence, unity, and unwavering advocacy can produce real results for our members.

Now, NYSCOPBA members’ death benefits are aligned more closely with retirement protections afforded to other law enforcement professionals, including police officers, firefighters, and certain other public servants.

To every member, past and present, who made phone calls, sent letters and emails, attended rallies and lobby days, and helped amplify our message: THANK YOU! This victory belongs to all of us. It is proof that when NYSCOPBA stays united, remains persistent, and continues fighting for what is right, we can overcome even the toughest legislative obstacles.

Stay Safe,

Chris Summers

NYSCOPBA President

05/25/2026

Honoring Our Heroes This Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. To our members, your courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety and justice embody the very spirit of service. We thank you for your vigilance, your sacrifice, and the daily challenges you face to protect others. Today, and every day, we honor your commitment and the memory of those who gave everything to keep us free. With deepest respect and gratitude—thank you for your service.

05/21/2026

Officers are routinely assaulted, facilities are critically understaffed
mandatory overtime takes a toll on mental and physical health

Policies like the HALT Act continue stripping staff of the ability to maintain order and safety

Corrections staff at Franklin Correctional Facility were busy breaking up seven inmate fights last week, according to a representative from NYSCOPBA

05/20/2026

Coxsackie Correctional Facility Impacted

As shortages in healthcare workers continue impacting facilities across the country, workers at a Coxsackie Correctional Facility say YesCare, a company specializing in correctional healthcare, has…

05/19/2026

In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS professionals and the important work they do in our nation's communities. National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's frontline.

05/15/2026

Today we honor and remember Correction Officer Donna A. Payant on the 45th anniversary of her death — a tragedy that forever changed the corrections profession and the history of women in law enforcement.

Correction Officer Payant served at Green Haven Correctional Facility in New York and was just 31 years old when she was murdered in the line of duty on May 15, 1981. She had served with the Department for just over one month.

Officer Payant entered the profession during a groundbreaking era, as women were increasingly stepping into roles historically held only by men. At the time, female correction officers were still relatively new within many correctional systems across the nation. Donna represented courage, professionalism, and a willingness to serve despite the risks and challenges that came with the job.

On that tragic day in 1981, Officer Payant was lured to the prison chaplain’s office by an incarcerated individual posing as another corrections employee. The inmate, who was assigned to work in the chaplain’s office, attacked and murdered her.

The inmate responsible, Lemuel Smith, already serving consecutive life sentences for murder, was later convicted in Officer Payant’s death.

She left behind her daughter, Suzann; sons, Jasen and Christopher; her husband, Leo; and generations of loved ones who continue to carry her memory forward. She also left behind a profession forever changed by her sacrifice.

Today, we remember Correction Officer Donna A. Payant not only as a fallen officer but as a pioneer, protector, mother, and hero.

05/07/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Law enforcement officers face a higher risk of su***de than the general public.

Between 2016 and 2022, 1,287 law enforcement and corrections officers died by su***de, averaging 184 deaths per year.

Su***de in law enforcement is a serious and ongoing public safety concern. Comprehensive data collection, awareness campaigns, and accessible mental health resources are essential to prevent deaths, support officers, and honor those who have served.

Recognizing the signs of distress and promoting early intervention can save lives and strengthen the well-being of law enforcement personnel.

05/04/2026

As we mark National Correctional Officer’s Week on May 3 - 9, 2026, a week of tribute that was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, highlighting the difficult but vital work these men and women undertake to maintain safety and order in our prisons. National Correctional Officer’s Week is an ideal time to illustrate our deep-seated appreciation for these individuals who dedicate their lives to a challenging and often underappreciated profession. Your commitment to public service is a cornerstone of our justice system, and you more than deserve our recognition and gratitude. Please honor these brave men and women.

04/30/2026

Authorities said three separate inmates set three separate fires in their cells on the same cell block starting at 3:20 p.m. Sunday, April 26. The second fire was 40 minutes after the first, and the third fire was 20 minutes after the second. Prison staff used extinguishers and hoses to douse the fi...

04/24/2026

This is exactly why the Prison Contraband statues need to be strengthened to hold visitors accountable.

ROME, N.Y. -- A Syracuse woman accused of bringing an unknown substance into the Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome did not appear in Rome City Court.