Warden Emmanuel H. Bailey

Details

Created on Wednesday, 29 November 2006 10:09

Written by Warden Emmanuel H. Bailey

I would like to take this opportunity to personally extend my thanks to you and to Upper Room Christian World Center for the special event that was conducted within the George Motchan Detention Center. Friday, November 24, 2006, the day referred to by the media as “Black Friday,” will be remembered as a day that light descended upon our staff and inmates. 

{addthis off}

In the morning, a dedicated team of men and a woman from Upper Room arrived and set up a full sized wrestling ring in our large gym. By 1230, assembled was in excess of 260 inmates for a wrestling presentation advertised as a “life-changing” event. Attendees ranged in security classifications from our lower, more stable inmates to our high-classification, or more commonly referred to as “Super-Max” prisoners. As each match progressed, those in attendance became increasingly vocal as they booed the antics of the villains and cheered on their favorites. 

In the final match, where all wrestlers entered the ring in a “battle -royale” of sorts, not only our inmates but also the 25 Correction Officers in attendance were enthralled as wrestlers slammed to the canvass and others were tossed from the ring over the top rope. Immediately following the match, Carmine Azzato (Demolition - Blast), the last man standing in the ring, gave his personal testimony. Several of the inmates attending began to heckle, but the wrestler, looking directly at them, told them that he knew where they were coming from and continued to share his heart. This sincere, direct approach quieted the audience and a hush fell. In closing, Blast gave everyone in attendance an opportunity to pray with him. I am pleased to report that over half of those in attendance, including those who had mocked the speaker, stood in front of all others in attendance to be a part of the mass prayer. 

Deputy Warden for Security Edmund Duffy as well as Deputy Warden for Programs Michael Fisher both were in attendance and reported that the event was a complete success. They both stated that the presentation was like “nothing ever brought to a New York City Department of Correction facility. ” 

It is our longstanding position that community support is essential in the successful operation of a correctional facility. Thanks again for the generous efforts of Upper Room Christian World Center in reaching our inmate population and for the support provided.

Sincerely,

Emmanuel H. Bailey

Warden