Pocono News Section

New Luzerne County Prison Warden Named

New Luzerne County Prison Warden Named - Monday, February 23, 2009 at 4:30PM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Monday, Feb 23, 2009 @ 04:30pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- A prison that's dealt with controversy in recent years is turning a new page.

Luzerne County Commissioners approved the choice of 57-year-old Joseph Piazza as the new prison warden Monday morning.

Piazza worked for the state department of corrections for 33-years. He retired last June as Superintendent of SCI Coal Township in Northumberland County. Piazza replaces Gene Fischi who retired in December.

The new prison head wants the staff to get on-board with his philosophy. "Treat people the way you want to be treated whether it be inmates, staff, and march or fight we get paid the same so it's easier to talk down inmates and resolve issues that way than it is to roll around on the floor with them," he said.

Piazza also said it's vital to keep Luzerne County prison secure and prevent any breaches -- like the infamous Hugo Selenski breakout in October, 2003.