Situation in Pecos Returning To Normal...

"Momma, are you there?" I was at work helping a customer pick out some boots, when I heard the sweetest words I had heard in a long time! Immediately, I turned around to see my two sons, in their CERT Team uniforms standing there in the middle of the store!! I hugged both their necks and kissed their cheeks through tears of relief. After dealing with the riot at the prison for 135 hours straight, Travis and Tony looked exhausted, unshaven, dirty and SAFE. Along with the rest of the CERT Team they had been successful in keeping the inmates from escaping and assisted Prison Staff in processing and moving all the inmates to secure quarters. My guys were heading home to clean up.

When it hit me that I had left my customer high and dry, I looked back to see that a co-worker had stepped in and helped the customer. He was explaining to her the reasons for my actions as she nodded her head toward me. She understood.

I showed the guys the local newspaper headlines that pictured an aerial view of the destruction as they asked me if I could get their CERT Team uniforms cleaned so that they could report back to the prison in a couple of hours. They had volunteered to work through the night even though technically they were on their weekend. I found out later, when I took their clean uniforms (from the local cleaners), that they didn't have to report back until 6pm. This gave them time for some well deserved sleep. As can be expected they were now on 12 hour a day, 7 days a week shifts until further notice.

Blogger's Note: It needs to be mentioned that the prisoners at this facility here in Pecos are not citizens of The United States. They are protected by the rules and regulations of the Geneva Convention enforced by the Bureau of Prisons and GEO Group. Also, the CERT Team embodied by the courageous men and women employed at this facility, did an outstanding job of working together to ensure the safety of prison personnel, the public and the prisoners during this riot. I am proud of you all!


MnC's Disclaimer: At no time is excessive force, cruelty or brutality used when training the horses pictured in this blog. Reinforcing pats and firm gentleness, along with calmness from the trainers, encourage the horses to do as they are asked.