Release #141-01

 

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Sunny Mindel / Matt Higgins

(212) 788-2958

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Correction Commissioner William J. Fraser and Chief of Department Robert N. Davoren in presenting awards to 80 recipients at the Department of Correction's annual Medal Day ceremony, held this year on the steps of City Hall. Among the many individuals receiving special honors were Captain Dana Shehee, this year's Medal of Honor winner, whose actions earlier this year undoubtedly saved several lives after he foiled an attempted robbery of a Chinese restaurant in Queens; and a team of officers whose quick thinking and team work prevented the escape of a dangerous inmate from Rikers Island.

"Today's Medal Day honorees exemplify what is truly best of this fine agency. The Department of Correction serves as a model of excellence that is often studied by governments and officials from around the country and around the world," Mayor Giuliani said.

"Due to the dedicated, valiant and often heroic efforts of both our Correction Officers and civilian employees, serious crime in our jails has declined over 93% since 1995. These dedicated professionals have each contributed to the restoration of order within the City's prison system and have done so with restraint and dignity. They are to be congratulated for making the Correction Department the success story it is today," the Mayor concluded.

Commissioner William J. Fraser thanked the Mayor for his support, and cited the high morale throughout the Department. "This is a day when it's hard not to boast. I am deeply proud of our workforce, and particularly of our honorees whom are all true correctional professionals." he stated.

Among the awards presented today were the Medal of Honor; medals for Exceptional Merit and Meritorious Duty; a Unit Citation; the Commissioner's Award; the Operations Ribbon (awarded to select members of the service for their outstanding contribution during a special operation); the Assistant Deputy Warden/Deputy Warden's Association Humanitarian Award; the William Heidenreich Outstanding Career Achievement Medal; the Dominick Schiano Outstanding Career Achievement Medal; the Correction Captains Association Community Service Medal; the Correction Captains Association Distinguished Service Medal; and the Arturo Meyers Award/Member of the Year Award, presented by the Correction Officers Benevolent Association.

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