Briefs

An Olympic Tragedy

At the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run near Fort Madison, Iowa, CO Scott Edward Bryant, 36, was struck by a car as he carried the Olympic torch on behalf of Iowa State Penitentiary. A member of Local 2989 (Council 61), Bryant was just 10 minutes into the first leg of the charity run when a Buick driven by an 84-year-old man attempted to pass a state patrol car that was escorting the runners. The elderly driver lost control while straightening out his car and hit both Bryant and running partner Jeffrey Michael Heston, 30, of West Point (also a member of the local). Bryant's last act: shoving Heston from directly in front of the vehicle, saving his life. Bryant, who died at the scene, is survived by his wife and two daughters. A memorial service was held at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics. Those wishing to help the family can donate to the Bryant Children Educational Fund, c/o First Community Bank, P.O. Box 190, Keokuk, IA 52632. The International is contributing $2,000.

Recruiting for al Qaeda

As if handling unruly and sometimes violent inmates were not enough, COs now have a truly foreign threat to combat: recruitment of inmates by al Qaeda.

According to FBI Supervisory Special Agent Andrew Black, this is a "cause for concern because the stakes are very high." Based on recovered al Qaeda operational manuals emphasizing worldwide recruiting, Black learned that inmates in the United States are a logical target. "They will not attract attention, as al Qaeda members from Muslim countries would, and many already hate authority."

Speaking before COs at the ACU National Convention last September, Black gave the following advice: "Be alert for signs of religious extremism, including symbols and literature."