The Times-Leader
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — A bill named after slain Correctional Officer Eric Williams was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Wednesday.
Don Williams, of Nanticoke, said he received notice late Wednesday night from both senators who had strongly supported that the “Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act” become law.
Democrat Bob Casey and Republican Pat Toomey contacted Williams by email, with Toomey saying of Don and his wife, Jean, “Great job in standing up for corrections officers everywhere.”
Casey’s email, responding to an inquire by Don Williams, stated: “Don – it was just signed into law tonight!”
Williams said although he could never bring his son back, that the passage of the bill into law, which meant federal corrections officers can now carry non-lethal pepper spray, might mean that other parents would not have to go through what he and his wife did.
“The fatal attack inspired something positive,” said Williams, adding that support staff will also be able to carry the non-lethal spray.
Williams said not only did the bill become law, but that awareness was raised regarding the importance of protecting corrections officers as they do their jobs.
Also, significant, said Williams, was that it was a bipartisan effort.
“It had support from both parties, from the house and the Senate,” he said. “It was the right thing.”
Eric was murdered while on duty at U.S. Penitentiary at Canaan in Wayne County Feb. 25, 2013. Prosecutors allege that Jessie Con-Ui kicked him down a flight of steps, pinned him to the floor and stabbed him over 200 times.
Following his death, the Williams have been quick to support the legislation which they say is a memorial to his son and live saving to corrections officers.
Copyright 2016 The Times Leader