May 21, 2018 -- In a packed gymnasium Saturday, Westchester County’s correction officers’ union matched up against union members from the New York State prison system, in the first annual Blue Line Basketball Tournament. The day-long ‘final four’ style tournament, held at Woodlands High School in Greenburgh, showcased the importance of teamwork and camaraderie, both of which are critical for staff who work in jails and prisons. The tournament also featured fun for all ages, including a magician, face painting and relay races for officers’ family members.
The four competing teams hailed from facilities located throughout the lower Hudson Valley: Westchester County Department of Correction’s The Jacks, The Sing Sing Regulators, The Downstate Warriors and The Bedford Hills Bulldogs. The Westchester Jacks were named in honor of former Correction Commissioner Norwood E. Jackson, the first African-American Commissioner of any County-level law enforcement agency.
Westchester County Correction Officer and tournament organizer Virgil Smith, a 15-year member of County service and former state correction officer, said: “Events like these are important for all staff members in our profession. We spend a lot of time ‘behind the walls,’ so it’s great for all of us to have a moment to showcase our talents and come together on a much-needed day off.”
Sing Sing Correction Officer Doug Bennet said: “My goal for this whole one day event was to build morale within the facilities, and allow the officers to enjoy a day with their families and co-workers. We work in a very hostile environment, and do a job which some people have no idea what we endure. Thank you to everyone who came to support our event.”
The event featured music by DJ Tristate Jericho and locally-sourced food. In the tournament finale, the Westchester Jacks were narrowly defeated by the Sing Sing Regulators, who raised the trophy in tribute to officers statewide.