Florida Department of Corrections Banner, Secretary Mark S. Inch

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2021

Contact: FDC Communications
(850) 488-0420
 

FDC Officers Awarded Medals of Valor by National Association

Officers Award Medal Of Valor


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Three Florida Department of Corrections officers were recently awarded the Medal of Valor by the North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents (NAAWS) for their exceptional courage and selfless service.

“Correctional officers fulfill an important public safety mission daily, despite unknown dangers. They rely on their decision making and training to protect their fellow officers and inmates in their care and custody,” said Secretary Mark Inch. “Officers Fields, Booth and Dyer exemplified our agency’s core values of respect, integrity, courage, selfless service and compassion. I am proud they received this well-deserved national recognition.”

Captain Eric Booth and Sergeant Shawn Dyer displayed acts of courage on the night of August 26, 2020 when they attempted to counsel a violent inmate resulting in the injury of Sgt. Dyer. Captain Booth stayed calm and protected Sgt. Dyer from further harm until backup arrived.

Officer Erin Fields responded to an agitated inmate armed with a homemade weapon on the morning of November 11, 2020. Utilizing her intervention techniques and training, Sergeant Fields kept the inmate focused allowing others to reach safety and no one was harmed. Sgt. Fields diffused the situation without using any force.

NAAWS held their annual conference in Daytona Beach the week of August 30 where numerous corrections officers from across the country were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty during their work as corrections professionals. NAAWS brings communication, tools, education and best practices to active and retired wardens across jurisdictions.

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As Florida's largest state agency, and the third largest state prison system in the country, FDC employs 24,000 members, incarcerates 80,000 inmates and supervises nearly 146,000 offenders in the community.

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