RIBCO was started out of necessity 40 years ago to improve the working conditions and benefits of it's members. Over the years we have been one of the most successful unions in the state and now our members run one of the best and safest correctional systems in the country. This year is a good time to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices our members have made over the years through their blood sweat and tears. The ACI wasn't always as well run as it is today. Talk to Officers that worked in the 70s or look at newspaper articles to see what it was like back then. As you go through this year, take a moment to thank the Officers that worked during those years that helped make the ACI a safer place to work I think it is helpful to also reflect on what it would be like to work here without a union. Over the years RIBCO has fought for better wages, benefits, training, uniforms, equipment and a host of other benefits.
Ernie Grossguth added to the National Memorial
Event Information
RIBCO officials have been informed that Ernie Grossguth's name has been engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. RIBCO submitted Ernie Grossguth to be considered as a line of duty death to the NLEOM Board several months ago. His name was engraved and formally dedicated on May 13 at the 25th annual candlelight vigil in Washington, DC. On March, 26, 1995 Officer Ernie Grossguth was found collapsed and unresponsive by CO Kyle Cordeiro during his lunch break. When Officer Cordeiro went to visit Ernie at the Maximum Security parking lot Guard Tower, he did not see Ernie standing there, so he went inside the Tower and found Officer Grossguth collapsed on the floor. Officer Cordeiro radioed for help but Officer Grossguth was pronounced dead. Officer Grossguth served the RIDOC for 34 years. Ernie's family and friends were in Washington last year when the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation honored Ernie as a past line of duty death. His sons Brad and Robert who work at the Intake Service Center were also in attendance.
