Repesenting the best among employee services

Citations honor recipients' valor and heroism

The following are the citations read during the presentation of each medal at the October 15 ceremony:

Medal of Honor

Mohawk Correction Officer Douglas A. Christman:
On July 18, 1997, rioting inmates at the Mohawk Correctional Facility broke out of the west yard. They began to converge on the east yard. You were on post in the east yard. You were fully aware that staff had been injured, and that 150-200 inmates were heading toward your area. You could have sought personal safety near the fence. Instead, you located the part-time civilian recreation worker, and advised him to stay with you for his protection.

As the rioting inmates came into the yard, you were punched in the face and knocked to the ground. In spite of a bloody broken nose, you got up and again told the recreation worker to stay behind you for protection. Perimeter staff then deployed chemical agents that allowed you to escort the recreation worker to safety. Throughout this crisis, and despite personal injury, you exhibited valor and courage in the performance of your duties.

Clinton Correction Officer Larry L. Collins:
On September 17, 1997, you were the first Officer responding to an incident in H-Block, where an inmate was assaulting an Officer. Upon your arrival, the inmate was repeatedly stabbing Officer Luke Fessette with a homemade weapon. You immediately confronted the inmate, backing him away from the injured Officer. The inmate was still brandishing the weapon when you pushed Officer Fessette in the direction of additional responding Officers. You continued to confront the inmate while the injured Officer was removed from the area for medical treatment.

You exhibited extraordinary courage in the performance of your duties. Your immediate actions before the arrival of additional staff were instrumental in saving the life of 0fficer Fessette.

Mohawk Correction Sergeant Ernest Stevens:
You assumed a critical leadership role in responding to the inmate disturbance of July 18-19, 1997. You came to the assistance of Officer Richard Torres and Officer Lawrence Rounds who had been injured during the first stages of the disturbance.

You were one of the first to come to the aid of Lieutenant Richard Prusko after he was assaulted by inmates wielding baseball bats. Along with others, you helped the injured Lieutenant to escape from the mob of inmates surrounding him, and removed him to the relative safety of Building 73 F Dorm.

You were struck with a bat and punched in the face while helping rescue Lieutenant Prusko. Despite these injuries, you continued on with your tireless efforts to control the situation.

You then directed the defense of Building 54, where staff' were under assault from rioting inmates. You and other employees were able to force the inmates to retreat back into the east yard.

You then went on to remove some 64 inmates - who did not want to participate in the riot from the scene, by securing them in the Counseling Unit of Building 54.

Your efforts on this evening are nothing short of heroic. In the face of overwhelming odds, you persevered, and contributed greatly to regaining control of the facility.

Medal of Merit

Mohawk Correction Officer Bradley Bliss:
On July 18, 1997, rioting inmates at Mohawk Correctional Facility rounded Building 73 and came upon and assaulted Correction Officer Torres. You immediately came to the aid of Officer Torres, and fought off the inmate attackers. Despite suffering injuries yourself, you assisted Officer Torres to safety, preventing any further injury to him.

You then responded to the east yard, where rioting inmates had barricaded themselves. You made effective use of chemical agents to separate rioting inmates from three Mohawk staff members who were trapped in the east yard. Your fast action allowed these employees to escape safely from this potentially life-threatening situation.

Despite being injured and being exposed to chemical agents, you remained on duty, demonstrating courage and professionalism under adverse conditions.

Mohawk Correction Officer Joseph Griffith:
On July 18, 1997at 7:09p.m.,you and Correction Officer Stephen Kline took decisive action at great risk to yourselves. You came to the aid of your fallen comrade, Lieutenant Prusko, after he had been viciously attacked from behind and struck in the head with a baseball bat. He lay bleeding and helpless, in the midst of a crowd of rioting inmates, who continued to taunt, kick and strike him. Along with Sergeant Stevens, the three of you managed to move the injured Lieutenant to a safer location, inside of Building 73 F Dorm. You administered basic first aid until the Lieutenant could be removed and receive appropriate medical attention.

You remained on duty on the outside perimeter of east yard. You used your shotgun to fire warning shots which helped contain rioting inmates who were trying to get to staff trapped in the east yard area. You demonstrated valor and dedication to your fellow Officers throughout the entire incident.

Mohawk Correction Officer Stephen Kline:
On July 18, 1997, at 7:09p.m., you and Correction Officer Griffith took decisive action at great risk to yourselves. You came to the aid of your fallen comrade, Lieutenant Prusko, after he had been viciously attacked from behind and struck in the head with a baseball bat. He lay bleeding and helpless, in the midst of a crowd of rioting inmates, who continued to taunt, kick and strike him. Along with Sergeant Stevens, the three of you managed to move the injured Lieutenant to a safer location, inside of Building 73 F Dorm. You administered basic first aid until the Lieutenant could be removed and receive appropriate medical attention.

Your courage in the face of rioting inmates is testimony to your commitment to your fellow Officers.

Ulster Chaplain Rev. Carl Stiglich:
On October 1, 1997, you left a chaplains' meeting at the Thornfield Conference Center in Cazenovia to meet a friend for dinner. As you walked to your car, you heard cries for help from nearby Cazenovia Lake. A boater had apparently fallen overboard without a life jacket, and was dangerously close to drowning in the frigid waters.

You ran to the lake and quickly shed your shoes, jacket and tie. You located a six-foot board and jumped into the lake. You swam approximately 100 yards before reach mg the victim who immediately grabbed the board. You then started swimming back toward shore, dragging the board with the victim hanging on to it, encouraging the victim to keep kicking.

By this time, the center's cook, who also happens to be the chief of the local fire department, managed to drag a canoe to the water. He paddled out to you and the boater. You and the boater hung onto the outside of the canoe as the chief paddled back to shore. The boater was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for hypothermia and released.

Due to your quick actions and courage, a life was saved.