Westchester County Correction Officers' Benevolent Association, the union representing over 700 county correction officers, is mourning the loss of one of their own.
Neil Pellone, the president of the union, explained how he found out about her death.
"I received a call from a relative of Eleanor and it was devastating," Pellone said.
Pellone said Birrittella became a correction officer about three years ago after working at the Board of Elections.
"She wore her uniform proudly, she did her job with such pride," Pellone said.
Pellone believes her positive spirit is the reason why there's "such a resounding sadness right now" throughout the correction community.
"The news spread quickly...and I received a lot of calls, 'tell me it's not true" and it's, you know, unfortunately, it's true," Pellone said.
According to Pellone, a group called the Westchester BLUE Foundation is reaching out to support union members as they grieve.