DOC HONORS CORRECTION PROFESSIONALS AT AWARDS CEREMONY
MILFORD - Friday, June 1, 2012 - The Patrick-Murray Administration today honored state and county correction professionals for their bravery, dedication and public service to the citizens of the Commonwealth at the 2012 Correctional Employees of the Year ceremony. Secretary of Public Safety and Security Mary Elizabeth Heffernan, Public Safety and Security Undersecretary for Criminal Justice Sandra M. McCroom, Department of Correction Commissioner Luis S. Spencer, County Sheriffs and other officials, recognized the outstanding work of these honorees during a State House ceremony in the House Chambers.
“These are principled, skilled professionals,” said Governor Deval L. Patrick. “They are role models for the entire corrections community and all law enforcement agencies.”
“Our Administration is committed to ensuring all communities are safe, and we are grateful for the dedicated professionals honored today and all who serve to protect our Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray.
“Each man and woman in our correction system puts himself in harm’s way to ensure our safety which alone deserves our highest appreciation,” said Public Safety Secretary Mary Elizabeth Heffernan. “Today we highlight the leadership of the bravest of our men and woman whose extraordinary work keeps our residents and visitors to the Commonwealth safe each and every day.”
During today’s ceremony, Undersecretary Sandra M. McCroom said, “We appreciate the care and concern shown by correctional staff as they model the way for offenders, setting a path for a better life.”
"Public safety is the primary function of the Department of Correction," said Commissioner Luis S. Spencer. "DOC employees make this happen by working collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure that offenders leave our custody better prepared to reenter their communities and lead productive lives."
Awarded the Medal of Valor at Northeastern Correctional Center are Captain Miguel Archilla Jr., Sgt. Robert Small, Sgt. Dean Gray, Sgt. David Babineau, Correction Officer Thomas Galvin Jr. and Sharon Griffin, RN. These staff showed care, compassion and professionalism in preventing an attempted inmate suicide.
Souza Baranowski Correctional Center Correction Officers Joshua Gagnon and Scott Laverdure were awarded the Medal of Valor by intervening as two inmates attacked another inmate, putting their own personal safety aside.
Meritorious Recognition was given to North Central Correctional Institution-Gardner Sgt. Charles Schnurpfeil for his assistance in searching for survivors during the Brimfield tornado and to MCI Concord Correction Officer Jose Cid Jr. for the apprehension of a suspect assaulting a store employee while attempting to flee with stolen merchandise.
Meritorious Recognition was also awarded to Souza Baranowski Correctional Center Lt. David Reniere, Lt. Donna Ellis, Sgt. John Kramer, Correction Officers Jeffrey Ellegood, Brian Douaire, Aldwin Ducos Jr. and Joseph Gaidanowicz Jr. for their bravery and professionalism in preventing a multiple inmate fight from becoming a major disturbance.
Souza Baranowski Correctional Center Lt. Donald Ferrara, Lt. Michael Moran, Correction Officers Steven Mason, Kevin Shepard, Ryan Hillis, Richard Barber, Michael Snow and Dustin Belland received Meritorious Recognition for their courage and disregard for personal safety in ending a violent fight involving six inmates.
A Community Service Award was presented to MCI Norfolk Correctional Program Officer Ken Lizotte. When CPO Lizotte isn’t performing his duties at MCI Norfolk, he is involved with children with disabilities at the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton. For over five years, CPO Lizotte has become a leader among other DOC staff, organizing wheelchair basketball, including a March Madness Playoff Basketball Tournament, wheelchair hockey, dances, wheelchair football and other activities. The activities keep growing.
The Massachusetts Department of Correction employs approximately 5,000 staff and houses over 11,400 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.