News

Public Safety On the Job: Forensic Scientist service with the Illinois State Police

The following interview was provided by AFSCME Council 31. Tara Kerns is a Forensic Scientist III with the Illinois State Police and proud member of AFSCME Local 1964.

Tell us about your work.

Public Safety On the Job: Forensic Scientist service with the Illinois State Police

Quick-thinking 911 telecommunicator saves woman from house fire

January 30 was like any other day for Cierra Matthews—which is to say, a whirlwind of the unexpected.

Quick-thinking 911 telecommunicator saves woman from house fire

Union-Busting and Political Retaliation by Union County Sheriff Jim Prouty

AFSCME Council 65 has filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge against Union County and is demanding accountability and immediate reinstatement for Union County Deputies Zach Brown and Kevin O’Mahoney, who were abruptly terminated by Sheriff Jim Prouty on June 23, 2026.

Union-Busting and Political Retaliation by Union County Sheriff Jim Prouty

Corrections staff pass vote of no confidence in NM warden, seek his replacement

AFSCME New Mexico members of Local 2499, the Bernalillo County Corrections Officer Association, are sounding the alarm on workplace issues affecting safety and staff morale at the 

Corrections staff pass vote of no confidence in NM warden, seek his replacement

‘Unsung heroes’ of law enforcement win strong contract in Blair County, PA

HOLLIDAYSBURG, Penn. – The AFSCME members who keep Pennsylvania’s Blair County Prison safe and secure have overwhelmingly ratified a strong new three-year contract.  

‘Unsung heroes’ of law enforcement win strong contract in Blair County, PA

AFSCME members who keep a PA jail running mobilize for paid parental leave victory

Members of AFSCME Local 543 (Council 13) at Lehigh County Jail secured a major victory in early May with the implementation of paid parental leave for county employees.

AFSCME members who keep a PA jail running mobilize for paid parental leave victory

Flight paramedics land a big grievance victory

Any AFSCME Public Safety member will tell you that during an emergency, you have to act fast — regardless of what you are doing at that time.

Flight paramedics land a big grievance victory

Respect EMS professionals who save lives, increase staffing and resources

With just a moment’s notice, they can save a life. It is an invaluable skill set, and it’s why we take the time this week to honor the professionals who work in emergency medical services.

Respect EMS professionals who save lives, increase staffing and resources

AFSCME corrections officers in Connecticut recognized for making workplaces safer

Corrections officers from three AFSCME locals in Connecticut were honored for making their workplaces safer.

AFSCME corrections officers in Connecticut recognized for making workplaces safer

Officer who died in 1950 honored during Law Enforcement Week thanks to AFSCME member’s research

During National Law Enforcement Week, downtown Washington, D.C., teems with uniformed officers from every corner of the country. They come together to honor their colleagues who have fallen in the line of duty.

Officer who died in 1950 honored during Law Enforcement Week thanks to AFSCME member’s research