Correctional Officer 'Brutally Attacked' By Inmate At Rahway Prison

RAHWAY, NJ — State Correctional Officer Daniel Campione was "brutally attacked" by an inmate at East Jersey State Prison on New Year's Eve, PBA 105 President Brian Renshaw announced.

The prison which has mailing address of Rahway, actually resides in Avenel in Woodbridge Township.

On the morning of Dec. 31, an inmate began to verbally abuse Campione as he was escorting inmates back to their cells and securing the cells, Renshaw said.

The inmate then charged Campione and began hitting him in his head with a closed fist. Other officers in the area jumped in, stopped the attack and secured the inmate before further damage could be done, Renshaw said.

Campione was treated at East Jersey State Prison for numerous contusions and lacerations on his head and face. He was then treated further at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Rahway. Campione is expected to recover from his injuries but is out of work for an undetermined amount of time.

The PBA Local 105 leadership is calling for the immediate passage of S-596/A-3422. This bill would bring correctional officers' compensation closer in line with state and local police officers hurt in the line of duty.

Currently, prison and juvenile detention workers have to apply for worker's compensation when injured on the job, making significantly less than their regular salary. They also pay for their family health benefits.

“Our correctional officers put their lives on the line each day. However, the safety and security of them and their families is being compromised by not being afforded this basic benefit when an inmate savagely attacks an SCO," Renshaw said. "It is my hope that the New Jersey Legislature will fully understand what is at risk when deciding on how to act on this legislation. They have a duty to protect our officers and their families.”

(Image PBA 105: State Correctional Officer Daniel Campione)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.