By Robert Harding
The Citizen Blogs
AUBURN, NY — The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association mourned the loss of two correctional officers who died Wednesday in the Herkimer County shootings.
Michael Ransear, 57, was shot and killed at John’s Barber Shop in Mohawk, according to the New York State Police. Another man was killed and two others were wounded in the attack at the barber shop.
Ransear worked for 18 years as a correctional officer in New York before retiring in June 2006. He last worked at Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome, according to information provided by DOCCS.
Michael Renshaw, 51, was one of two men shot and killed at Gaffy’s Jiffy Lube in Herkimer. He was a correctional officer for 23 years, according to DOCCS. He worked at three other facilities before spending the last 20 years working at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy.
DOCCS issued a statement on behalf of Commissioner Brian Fischer that said Ransear and Renshaw will be remembered for their work and dedication.
“On behalf of the entire staff at DOCCS, Commissioner Fischer extends his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of Mid-State Correction Officer Mike Renshaw and retired Mohawk Correction Officer Mike Ransear. Both individuals will be remembered for their dedication and daily contributions made throughout their long careers.”
NYSCOPBA President Donn Rowe said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the deaths of Ransear and Renshaw.
“These men spent their lives in service to their communities and their state, and there are no words to express our profound grief over their untimely passing,” Rowe said in a statement.
“Today’s tragedies are a tremendous loss for everyone who knew these men and who served alongside them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends and fellow officers during this difficult time. NYSCOPBA stands ready to help those touched by this senseless act of violence in the coming days and weeks.”
The suspect in the shooting, Kurt Myers, was killed Thursday morning after a long standoff. More information about the shooting can be found on auburnpub.com.
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