FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Milford (June 29, 2007)-Massachusetts Department of Correction officers were among the Massachusetts State and County Correction Officers honored at the 2007 Correction Officer of the Year 10 ^th Annual Awards ceremony held June 26, 2007 at the State House. Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray, Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety Kevin M. Burke, Acting Commissioner James R. Bender as well as County Sheriffs and other elected officials praised the Correction Officers for their bravery and dedication to public service.

Correction Officer Edward Porter received a Medial of Honor for stopping the stabbing of two Correction Officers by a disruptive and violent inmate, who had a homemade weapon, at MCI Cedar Junction.

At MCI Concord, a fight in the dining hall between two inmates, one with a homemade weapon, was broken up and the inmates secured by Sergeants George Frascarelli, Edward Alinkowitz, Paul Curran, Correction Officers Stephen Larosee, Cornelius Jones and Recreation Officer Scott Silva. They received a Medal of Valor.

"The quick thinking and fast actions of these brave individuals during dangerous situations prevented additional harm to staff and inmates alike," said Acting Commissioner James R. Bender. "As public safety professionals, Correction Officers have a tremendous responsibility to the public we serve. Correction Officers protect the public through the operations of safe, secure and humane correctional facilities."

The Mass. Department of Correction employs close to 5,000 staff and houses over 11,000 inmates in 18 facilities, ranging from pre-release to maximum security. More information about the DOC is available on the DOC website at www.mass.gov/doc.

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