Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Honors Professionals at the 29th Annual Excellence in Corrections Awards

WORCESTER — Yesterday, in a ceremony at Mechanics Hall, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC), and Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) honored the exceptional service, bravery, and commitment of individuals working within state and county correction agencies across Massachusetts. The 29th Annual Excellence in Corrections Awards recognized 16 professionals for their outstanding contributions to public safety, dedication to corrections, and steadfast professionalism. 

“Yesterday we recognize correctional professionals whose courage, professionalism, and commitment to public service strengthen communities across Massachusetts every single day,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Whether responding in moments of crisis, protecting the safety of others, or demonstrating compassion under extraordinary circumstances, this year’s honorees represent the very best of public service. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and proud to honor their exceptional contributions.” 

“Correctional professionals are called upon to make difficult decisions in challenging and often dangerous situations, and this year’s recipients demonstrated extraordinary bravery, teamwork, and leadership,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Their actions reflect the critical role correction officers and staff play both inside facilities and throughout our communities. We thank them for their service and congratulate each of this year’s award recipients.” 

“The Excellence in Corrections Awards recognize correctional professionals who demonstrate extraordinary professionalism, resilience, and compassion in service to others,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “This year’s honorees exemplify the dedication and integrity that define the corrections profession and reflect a deep commitment to public safety, rehabilitation, and positive outcomes across the Commonwealth.” 

The ceremony conferred three distinct awards: Meritorious Recognition, the Medal of Valor, and the Medal of Honor. Meritorious Recognition recognizes an employee who acted beyond the requirements of their position. The second highest honor, Medal of Valor, honors an employee who put themselves at risk of retaining injury to protect others. Last, individuals receiving the Medal of Honor, the highest award, knowingly risked their lives to save another. 

“These awards are an opportunity to recognize the meaningful work our correctional professionals perform on a daily basis,” said Massachusetts DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “While much of this work is done outside of public view, the impact of their dedicated service is felt in communities across the state. We are proud to honor those being recognized today and all our staff who exemplify excellence in corrections every day.” 

“I feel an enormous sense of gratitude when I reflect on the quality of the people who become corrections professionals,” said Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association President and Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane. “Even though our jobs can be difficult, even dangerous, the dedication to duty and spirit of camaraderie that guide our work make our success possible. The contributions correctional professionals make to communities across the Commonwealth often happen outside the limelight, but their impact is deeply felt every day.” 

“Captain James Comeau, K-9 Officer Peter Karvelas, K-9 Vlad, and Sergeant John Mahoney represent the very best of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department and the corrections profession across Massachusetts,” said Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger. “Their actions demonstrate an unwavering commitment to public safety that extends far beyond the walls of our facilities. Through their courage, professionalism, and dedication to serving others, they help protect and support the safety and well-being of communities throughout the Commonwealth.” 

“Deputy Matt Doherty’s decision to run towards danger on March 2, 2025 was truly heroic,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.  “In the face of immense personal loss, he disregarded the risk to his own life to rescue another.  His quick, decisive actions not only saved the life of a fellow resident, but ensured a mother did not lose a son. There is no one more deserving of this recognition than Matt Doherty.” 

The awards are as follows: 

Meritorious Recognition Award 

The Meritorious Recognition Award is presented to correctional professionals who take action on or off duty that goes above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrates exceptional professionalism, selflessness, and competence. 

Recipients 

• Correction Officer Zachary Milot 
• Correction Officer Michael Salaices 
• Correction Officer Helena McGowan 

Incident 

On the evening of April 10, 2025, while traveling on duty, Central Transportation Unit Officers Zachary Milot and Michael Salaices responded to a crash involving a motor vehicle and a motorcycle in Walpole. 

As the first-on-scene, Officers Milot and Salaices rendered aid to the motorcyclist who was unresponsive with significant trauma. Without hesitation, Officer Milot initiated chest compressions while Officer Salaices stabilized the individual’s head. 

Correction Officer Helena McGowan of MCI-Norfolk arrived on scene shortly thereafter and provided assistance as Officers Milot and Salaices continued CPR until EMS transported the individual. 

After providing all relevant information to the Walpole Police, the officers returned to their assigned duties. 

Despite the fatal outcome for the motorcyclist, the actions of Officers Milot, Salaices, and McGowan epitomized a swift, coordinated, and selfless response in a critical situation. Their professionalism and commitment to rendering aid exemplify the highest standards of public service. 

Medal of Valor Group Award 

The Medal of Valor Group Award is presented to correctional employees for actions taken during a dangerous incident to save the life of a colleague, incarcerated individual, or member of the public. These actions are taken at great personal risk and exemplify bravery above and beyond the call of duty. 

Recipients 

• Captain James Comeau 
• Officer Peter Karvelas 
• K-9 Vlad 
• Sergeant John Mahoney 

Incident 

On the morning of July 3, 2025, thieves robbed a North Andover jewelry store located a mile and a half from the Essex County Pre-Release Center in Lawrence. Preliminary information indicated that five masked individuals, with a possible sixth acting as the getaway driver, were armed and held a person at gunpoint. A short time later, the suspects fled into Lawrence, where their vehicle crashed, and they continued on foot. 

Given their close proximity to the crash, Sergeant John Mahoney received notification from the State Police of an active search. He alerted staff, confirmed all incarcerated individuals were accounted for, and continued to monitor ongoing radio communications. The Pre-Release Center initiated a lockdown while several law enforcement agencies conducted a coordinated search. 

With the secure perimeter in place, Captain James Comeau and K-9 Officer Peter Karvelas remained on alert outside the facility. Shortly after noon, Sergeant Mahoney received information that the suspects were hiding under a nearby bridge. Captain Comeau, K-9 Officer Karvelas, and his partner K-9 Vlad responded to the location, assisted with securing the area, and located three suspects hiding between bridge supports. 

Using their training and skill, the team issued clear commands and took the suspects into custody without incident. Subsequently, officials recovered a backpack containing a firearm. 

The successful apprehension of these individuals was the result of strong communication, coordinated response, and decisive action. 

K-9 Vlad played an essential role as a member of the search team. Before this incident, he was diagnosed with a melanoma tumor in his eye and underwent extensive treatment. K-9 Vlad overcame these challenges with extraordinary resilience, returned to duty, and provided invaluable assistance during this response. 

Medal of Valor Award 

The Medal of Valor Award recognizes the split-second decision-making and bravery correctional employees must display every day, often at great personal risk. 

Recipient 

• Deputy Sheriff Matthew Doherty 

Incident 

On Sunday, March 2, 2025, off-duty Correction Officer Matthew Doherty of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office was home when he heard someone yell from an upstairs apartment and run toward his door calling his name. 

Recognizing signs of distress in the man’s voice, Correction Officer Doherty quickly picked up the phone to call the police before hearing the man return upstairs and a honking horn from a car stopped in front of his home. 

Acting without hesitation, Correction Officer Doherty ran to the back of the home where he heard the man go and immediately smelled smoke. Without regard for his own personal safety, Correction Officer Doherty ran up the stairs and entered the apartment, which was on fire and full of thick black smoke. 

After calling for the man several times, Correction Officer Doherty crawled through the apartment and located him on the floor. As he attempted to pull the man out of the apartment, the man became caught on something along the floor, preventing any further progress. Correction Officer Doherty freed the man, pulled him to the doorway, and carried him down the stairs to safety. 

Once outside, Correction Officer Doherty immediately began rendering aid to the man who was unconscious and showing signs of agonal breathing. At the same time, he determined that the man’s mother was not home at the time of the fire and assisted firefighters to ensure the continued safety of others. 

Unfortunately, in the aftermath of the incident, Correction Officer Doherty realized he himself became a victim of the fire. The blaze destroyed his apartment and a lifetime of belongings as he selflessly rescued his neighbor. Members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Correctional Officers Memorial Fund, began a fundraiser to support their colleague for his immense bravery and heroism as he rebuilt his home. Correction Officer Doherty has since been promoted to Deputy Sheriff. 

Medal of Valor Group Award 

Recipients 

• Correction Officer Maxwell Regan 
• Correction Officer Christopher George 
• Correction Officer Danielle Moustafa 
• Correction Officer Isabel Fortier 

Incident 

On Monday, December 15, 2025, an incarcerated individual punched Correction Officer Maxwell Regan repeatedly with his closed fist. Despite the immediate intervention of Correction Officer Christopher George, the individual continued his staff assault. 

As Officers Regan and George struggled to gain control, a second incarcerated individual joined the incident and began assaulting both officers with punches. This additional combatant escalated the threat and placed the officers in grave danger of serious injury. 

Correction Officer Danielle Moustafa acted decisively and with exceptional situational awareness. She opened the sally port doors before placing herself in harm’s way to assist her colleagues during the assault. That quick thinking allowed additional staff access to the area for further assistance. 

Correction Officer Isabel Fortier acted without delay and immediately engaged the assaultive individuals. She continued to assist throughout the violent encounter, demonstrating unwavering courage and determination until sufficient staff arrived and the situation was brought under control. 

The actions of Officers Regan, George, Moustafa, and Fortier reflect extraordinary valor, teamwork, and devotion to duty. Each officer placed the safety of their fellow officers above their own personal safety while confronting violent and dangerous incarcerated individuals under extreme conditions. Their conduct exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and bravery expected of correctional officers. 

Medal of Honor Group Award 

Recipients 

• Correction Officer Brian Richard 
• Correction Officer Isabel Fortier 
• Sergeant Gregory Pinkerton  
• Correction Officer Eric Pfeifle 
• Correction Officer James Hackney  

Incident 

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, an incarcerated individual armed with a sharp weapon attacked Correction Officer Brian Richard during his routine unit rounds at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center. The individual stabbed Officer Richard in the chest and continued his attack at the officers’ podium. Faced with the threat of deadly force, Officer Richard fought back with exceptional resolve with the assistance of Correction Officer Isabel Fortier, the second officer assigned to the unit. 

Using her training and skill, Officer Fortier recognized the threat and had the presence of mind to open the unit door for emergency assistance. Sergeant Gregory Pinkerton, Correction Officer Eric Pfeifle, and Correction Officer James Hackney subsequently entered the unit. 

Together, officers engaged and subdued the armed individual without hesitation or regard for their personal safety. Their rapid and coordinated response was critical in stopping the assault and preventing further serious injury or loss of life. 

The actions of Officers Richard, Fortier, Pfeifle, and Hackney and Sergeant Pinkerton reflect extraordinary bravery, decisive action, and unwavering commitment to the safety of their colleagues. These officers confronted an armed and determined assailant under extreme and volatile conditions, placing themselves in imminent danger to protect a fellow officer. 

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