BEACON, N.Y. — A disturbance at Fishkill Correctional Facility on Monday evening left nine corrections officers hospitalized after they were possibly exposed to an unknown substance, believed by some sources to be fentanyl.
Incident in Unit 21A
The incident began around 5 p.m. when five inmates in Unit 21A appeared intoxicated and refused to follow staff instructions. Correction officers and security staff responded to the dormitory to bring the situation under control. Shortly afterward, several officers began showing symptoms of exposure to an unidentified substance.
One officer’s condition required the use of Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
Prisoners Remained at Facility
The five prisoners involved were immediately examined by the prison’s medical staff. Officials confirmed that none required hospitalization, and all remained inside the facility. The source of the possible contamination has not been officially identified.
Emergency Response
The potential exposure triggered a large emergency response. Ambulances and hazmat teams were dispatched from Castle Point, Hyde Park, Pleasant Valley, and Orange County. Medics from Putnam County were placed on standby in case the situation worsened.
Despite the heavy response, officials emphasized that the investigation into the substance is ongoing and have not publicly confirmed it to be fentanyl.
Staffing Shortage Compounded Situation
The incident was further complicated by staffing shortages inside the unit. State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) guidelines recommend one officer for every 30 inmates. On Monday evening, however, only one officer was responsible for overseeing 50 prisoners in Unit 21A.
This shortage left staff stretched thin and likely contributed to the urgency of the emergency call.
Officers’ Alarming Symptoms
According to officials, the first signs of trouble came after a female officer gave a distress call over the radio, described as a “bone-chilling scream.” Within moments, multiple officers began reporting symptoms of illness, prompting an immediate call for all available staff to respond.
The affected officers were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Their conditions have not been released publicly, but all were expected to recover.
Broader Concerns
The episode has reignited concerns about the dangers of contraband and drug exposure within correctional facilities. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid many times more potent than heroin, has increasingly been linked to accidental overdoses across the country. Even trace amounts can trigger severe reactions, making suspected exposures within prisons especially alarming.
Union officials and corrections advocates have long raised concerns about staffing levels and safety conditions at Fishkill and other state facilities. Monday’s incident is likely to intensify calls for stronger protections for officers and more resources to address contraband entering prisons.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Tuesday, DOCCS has not released the exact cause of the officers’ symptoms. The situation remains under investigation, and prison officials have not disclosed whether further disciplinary or security measures will be taken against the inmates involved.
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