The year 1971 was one of the darkest in American correctional history. Within just three weeks, two events shook the profession to its core: the Deadliest Day in San Quentin’s history on August 21 and the Attica Prison Riot that began September 9. These tragedies claimed the lives of brave correctional staff, forever changed the profession, and left families and colleagues to carry the heavy burden of loss.

The Deadliest Day at San Quentin

On August 21, 1971, San Quentin Prison lost three officers in the bloodiest day in the institution’s history:

• Sergeant Jere Graham, 39

• Officer Frank DeLeon, 44

• Officer Paul Krasenes, 52

The violence was fueled by years of racial tension, political unrest, and the influence of the Black Guerrilla Family. What began as the imprisonment of George Jackson for a $70 robbery in 1960 escalated over a decade into radicalization, rebellion, and finally bloodshed. That August day, the Adjustment Center turned into a battleground. Correctional Lieutenant Richard “Dick” Nelson, remembered for his fearless response, stood as a symbol of courage when chaos reigned.

For San Quentin staff, the events of that day left scars of grief, anger, and distrust that would shape the culture of corrections for years to come.

The Attica Prison Riot

Just weeks later, tragedy struck on the opposite coast. On September 9, 1971, more than 1,200 inmates at Attica Correctional Facility in New York seized control, taking 42 staff hostage. Among them were CPOF volunteers John Stockholm and Donny Almeter. For four days, negotiations unfolded. While authorities agreed to nearly all of the inmates’ demands, the refusal to grant full amnesty led to a bloody conclusion.

On September 13, Governor Nelson Rockefeller ordered state police and corrections officers to retake the prison by force. When the smoke cleared, 10 correctional officers and civilian employees lay dead, alongside 29 inmates. Guard William Quinn, who had been beaten earlier, had died from his injuries days before.

The human toll extended far beyond the prison walls. Families grieved husbands, fathers, and sons; widows and children were left to rebuild their lives in the shadow of tragedy. The village of Attica itself bore the weight of loss and trauma.

The Birth of a Mission

The survivors of Attica—men like John Stockholm, Donny Almeter, and Mike Smith, along with John’s wife, Mary—have since shared their experiences as living reminders of what was endured inside those walls. Their stories highlight not only the danger correctional staff face every day but also the resilience of those who lived through it.

When the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) was formed in 1984, many of its founding fathers were men whose careers began in the wake of San Quentin and Attica. They understood firsthand the devastation left behind when correctional staff fall in the line of duty. From its beginning, CPOF has stood by survivors and families, providing both financial support and emotional strength.

Today, CPOF continues to honor this legacy:

• Annual remembrance ceremonies at Attica, attended by CPOF’s National Honor Guard and Board of Directors.

• Recorded interviews with survivors like Donny, John, Mary, and Mike, ensuring their voices and experiences remain a living history.

• Support for widows, widowers, children, and families through CPOF’s Catastrophic Assistance Program and scholarship initiatives.

We Will Never Forget

Both San Quentin and Attica remain solemn reminders of the cost of service behind the walls. These events underscore why CPOF’s mission—“Taking Care of Our Own”—is not only necessary but sacred.

We honor the fallen:

• From San Quentin: Sergeant Jere Graham, Officer Frank DeLeon, and Officer Paul Krasenes.

• From Attica: Guard William Quinn, Guard John D’Arcangelo Jr., Industrial Foreman Elmer Hardie, Senior Account Clerk Herbert Jones Jr., Guard Richard Lewis, Industrial Foreman John Monteleone, Principal Account Clerk Elon Werner, Sergeant Edward Cunningham, Guard Carl Valone, Guard Ronald Werner, and Guard Harrison Whalen.

Their sacrifice is our charge: to remember, to support, and to ensure that no correctional family stands alone in tragedy.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

CPOF invites you to take time to watch the interviews with survivors John Stockholm, Donny Almeter, Mary Stockholm, and Mike Smith. Their voices remind us of the dangers faced, the resilience required, and the duty we all share to look after one another.

We encourage every correctional professional to seek out ways to be more involved—whether by supporting colleagues, volunteering at your facility, or helping families in need. The tragedies of San Quentin and Attica must never be forgotten.

When history is learned, it is less likely to be repeated. Together, we honor the past, support the present, and safeguard the future of our correctional family.