News Release
For Immediate Release 19 December 2011
Prison staff going above and beyond the call of duty

From putting out deadly cell fires, to saving drowning swimmers, Corrections Officers have been awarded for their outstanding bravery and quick thinking in a crisis.

The twenty two men and women, from prisons across the country, were presented with the Chief Executive Special Commendation Award at a ceremony in Wellington.

Corrections Chief Executive Ray Smith says the award is about recognising staff who have displayed exceptional behaviour through courage, initiative or skill in a unique situation.

“Many of the recipients saved someone’s life, or went the extra mile to ensure public safety. In times of crisis, these staff acted with honour, integrity, courage and skill. Even amid all the drama, their level headedness and commitment to the job shone through.”

The Chief Executive’s Special Commendation Award was launched in April 2009. Nominations are open to all Corrections staff, volunteers and the employees of partner agencies where appropriate.

Officers awarded include:
Christchurch Men’s Prison:
Mark Hitchens – Corrections Officer
Alan Rushton – Corrections Officer
Adrian Gomez – Corrections Officer
The three men were on the fifth floor of the Christchurch District Court with a prisoner when the Christchurch earthquake struck on 22 February 2011. After getting out of the building and finding the prison van out of bounds, they decided to get to Mark’s house and use his car to transport the prisoner back to prison. The men walked through the chaos of a devastated Christchurch City for an hour with a handcuffed prisoner between them. Although they had family and friends they were worried about, but they kept the security of the prisoner front of mind. In the end they used Mark’s neighbour’s car to get the prisoner back to Christchurch Men’s.
Christchurch Women’s Prison:
Jo Stewart – Corrections Officer
Sheree Harris – Corrections Officer
Debbie Parsons – Corrections Officer
Angela Watson – Corrections Officer
Daleen Chadinha – Corrections Officer
Kath Stills – Corrections Officer
They bravely responded to a major fire lit by a prisoner in her cell. At risk to their own safety, they extinguished the fire. Jo and Sheree went into the cell to rescue the woman and were injured trying to get the prisoner to safety.
Joy Thompson – Principal Corrections Officer
She was speaking to St Andrews Ladies Circle when she noticed one woman in the audience slumped forward with her eyes closed. Though it looked as though the woman was sleeping, Joy sensed something was wrong. The woman had suffered a stroke and Joy did a first aid check and put the woman in recovery position until an ambulance arrived. Joy then resumed her speech.
Auckland Prison:
Morrin Whareumu – Senior Corrections Officer
Morrin saved two colleagues’ while they were holidaying at the beach. Morrin saw his workmates who’d gone swimming were out too deep and in trouble. He told his wife to call 111 and enlisted the aid of a boat owner and jet-skier. His workmates were rescued just in time. Morrin’s quick thinking and coolness under pressure prevented a tragedy.
New Plymouth Prison:
Carl Jones - Senior Corrections Officer
Carl was taking a minimum security prisoner on a compassionate escort to his terminally ill grandmother when he noticed that the house next door was on fire.
On being told there was someone in the house Carl jumped the fence. When he didn’t get a response to his calls, he broke down the door and entered the smoke-filled house. He found a woman and brought her to safety, then went back in to put the fire out.
Otago Corrections Facility:
Mark Duncan – Security Support Team Officer
Mark Jewitt - Corrections Officer
Kenneth Burt - Senior Corrections Officer
Mark Duncan and Mark Jewitt assisted at the scene of a serious car accident involving another staff member.
Kenneth Burt, also from Otago is recognised, for thinking outside the box and getting authorisation for treatment from a prisoner for his son when the boy’s mother could not be reached.
ENDS

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