Norman Seabrook invited COBA honorees' wives in the audience to come on stage for the presentation. Mrs. Scoma and Mrs. Simplice did; then he asked each to speak. Both did -- first Mrs. Simplice, far left; then Mrs. Scoma -- and each voiced warm pride in her husband's success on the job. Then the temporary stage manager undertook to organize the group picture - three COs,

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two wives, one Chief, one Commissioner, one Deputy Mayor, and, of course, one COBA president. Despite the momentary confusion, that photo did get taken. Somehow, the departures from script by each of the union presidents, each in his own way, had worked. Thus was triggered ADW Stukes's irrepressible grin, Vicki's oh's and ah's, the audience's spontaneous standing applause, the young wives' glowing pride in their CO husbands' achievements.

These unscripted moments rang real and true, prompting smiles among the audience, stirring up its sense of solidarity, tugging at its collective heart strings.

WEBMASTER NOTE: At Medal Day 2011 ceremonies in the George Motchan Detention Center (GMDC) on Rikers Island Nov. 15th, the NYC Department of Correction honored staff for heroic acts on and off the job, as well as for distinguished and exceptional on-the-job performance and community service. This New York Correction History Society (NYCHS) presentation features images derived from photos taken by NYCHS at the event as well as texts and images scanned by NYCHS from NYC DOC's Medal Day 2011 booklet distributed at the ceremonies.