Corrections staff save a life

From left to right: Court Services Bureau Supervisor Captain Anthony Yeber, Officer Devon Williams, Technician Jean-Simon, Officer Attalia Bonilla, and Technician Afolabi. 

Correctional Officers Attalia Bonilla, Devin Williams and Crystal Bishop, as well as Corrections Technicians Raheem Afolabi and Mick Jean-Simon were recently commended for their quick, decisive life-saving actions on August 20, 2022.

While supervising bond hearing court in Unit K2-7 at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, these staff members observed an inmate run up the stairs to the second floor. The inmate removed one of his handcuffs, climbed over the security railing and attempted to jump in an apparent suicide attempt.

Together, Officers Bonilla, Williams and Bishop and Technicians Afolabi and Jean-Simon immediately responded. They grabbed the inmate and prevented him from jumping. Their actions during this incident were exemplary and prevented the inmate from potentially being severely injured or worse. Their professionalism and commitment to duty was showcased during this event.

A special praise goes to Corrections Technicians Afolabi and Jean-Simon due to the fact that they are civilians, however, still managed to react and go above and beyond their scope of duty to save a life. They exhibited a strong sense of responsibility, a calm approach and the ability to manage a high-stress incident.

Chief Public Safety Officer J.D. Patterson proudly added, "These employees and actions are just one example of the good that staff at MDCR does every day. Not only does it show devotion, but the lack of hesitation to save a life exemplifies what it means to work here."