The Westchester Correction Association (WCA), the Westchester Chapter of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, a national organization of Black Law Enforcement Professionals that work in Prisons, Parole, and Probation held its first annual Black History Month Praise and Worship Ceremony hosted by WCA Chapter Chaplain Dr. Jeffrey Wheeler, Pastor of Mt. Calvary CME, the Promise Church, of Mt. Vernon .
After Judge Adrian Armstrong official swore Dr. Wheeler as WCA Chaplain. The organization presented Kenneth Chamberlain Jr. his father honorary certificate of membership.
Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. was fatally shot on November 19, 2011, in White Plains, New York. After his LifeAid medical alert necklace was inadvertently triggered, police came to his home and demanded that he open his front door. Despite his objections and statements that he did not need help, the police broke down Chamberlain’s door, tasered him, and then shot him dead. Chamberlain was a 68-year-old, African-American, retired Marine, and a 20-year veteran of the Westchester County Department of Corrections. He wore the medical alert bracelet due to a chronic heart problem.
“The Westchester Corrections Association remembers Kenneth Chamberlain Sr making him an honorary member. On behalf of my father Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. who could not be here I accept this membership because many people seem to forget he was law enforcement”, said Kenneth Chamberlain Jr. on his Facebook page.
“What an honor it was especially during black history month to praise and worship with Pastor Jeffrey Wheeler and the members of Mt Calvary Church today. Everyone welcomed WCA with love and support. Presenting the certificate making Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. an honorary member of the association to his son Kenneth Chamberlain Jr. was bitter-sweet. It was a proud moment for him as it was for us”, said WCA President Brooke Jones, “Although I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Officer Chamberlain, his presence was felt today and will remain with us always as we embark on our duties as law enforcement officers”.
