AFSCME Social Worker Rescues Infant

by Kate Childs Graham  |  May 08, 2012

It was not just another day on the job.

Last week, William Purnell Short III, an AFSCME Maryland member and social worker in Baltimore’s social services office, ran to the aid of an infant who was being stabbed by her mother.

According to police reports, 23-year agency veteran Short heard his co-worker scream, ran into the room, subdued the assailant and saved the wounded infant.

The attack calls to question security at the office, which is patrolled by private guards. How did someone with a knife get through the metal detectors and bag check undetected?

AFSCME Maryland leaders have pressed managers for better security, calling for the private guards to be replaced with police from the Maryland Department of General Services. However, managers have refused to act, citing “budget constraints.”

Thanks to the swift action by Short, the infant remains in good condition at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. The assailant is being held without bail on charges of attempted first-degree murder, assault and child abuse. And state officials are investigating the security breach.