AFSCME Solidarity Provides Relief after Deadly Accident

by Pablo Ros  |  February 01, 2013

Corrections officer Anthony Vega (in wheelchair) is surrounded by his family, friends and colleagues after returning to Puerto Rico. (Photo courtesy SPUPR/Council 95)

Earlier this month, Juan Rosario Ramos and Anthony Vega, both corrections officers and members of Alianza Correccional Unida (ACU) Local 3500/Servidores Públicos Unidos de Puerto Rico (SPUPR), AFSCME Council 95, survived a traffic accident that took the lives of three others.

Ramos and Vega were part of an extradition team on its way to a private prison in Cushing, Okla., when their van was hit head-on by a Jeep that veered left of center. The two received medical treatment, and a few days later were able to fly back to their loved ones in Puerto Rico.

Today, the two officers, as well as SPUPR and its leadership – Council President Annette Gonzalez and ACU Pres. Juan González – say they are grateful to the AFSCME brothers and sisters in the region who helped out during this difficult time by providing emotional support and resources, including clothing, lodging, and transportation. They included William Bryles, president of AFSCME Local 2406 in Oklahoma City.

“To SPUPR, the support provided to our colleagues by our AFSCME brothers and sisters in the U.S. was very important,” said Erick Caraballo, an ACU coordinator. “It was especially meaningful at a time when our colleagues were in a delicate state of health and going through a difficult time as a result of this incident. Their support shows the great solidarity that exists between AFSCME brothers and sisters. This solidarity unites us regardless of region, city or territory.”

Vega received emergency medical treatment before coming back to Puerto Rico, where he will undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation. Ramos, who sustained injuries to an arm and shoulder, is also recovering.