Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg joined Correction Commissioner William J. Fraser and Chief of Department Robert Davoren today in presenting awards to 30 recipients at the Department of Correction's Annual Medal Day ceremony. Among the many heroic individuals receiving recognition were a team of correction officers whose quick thinking and heroic actions saved the lives of two nurses whose car became submerged in the dangerous waters off Rikers Island.

"Recently I had the opportunity to visit Rikers Island and see first-hand the nation's best correctional agency in action," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "Their work has had a significant impact on the improved efficiency of the City's criminal justice system and has contributed to the safety of every New Yorker. I want to assure these unsung heroes that their hard work does not go unnoticed, and thank them for their service."

Commissioner William J. Fraser thanked the Mayor for his continued support of the agency and cited the high morale evident throughout the Department. "Medal Day is a special day for us because it allows the public to know of the heroic actions of our correction employees. It is also an opportunity to thank every member of this Department for the accomplishments of the last year. I am very proud of the men and women of this Department, who distinguish themselves everyday as the finest correction professionals in the nation."

This year's top award, the Exceptional Merit Medal, was presented to thirteen individuals, including five Officers who were involved in the rescue of the two nurses. Others included three Officers from the Department's Harbor Unit who rescued three passengers from a burning boat stranded in the East River; four Officers who assisted in evacuating children and adults from the World Trade Center site on September 11th, and one Officer who apprehended a perpetrator with a loaded firearm after the perpetrator had fired one round at a crowd of people on Staten Island.

David A. Schulte Jr., Special Advisor to the Commissioner, was honored with a special Commissioner's Award for his invaluable guidance and counsel to the Department. Schulte has had a long and distinguished career in public service. He served as a member of the New York City Board of Correction for forty-one years and, for more than forty years, has worked with a variety of philanthropic and public sector initiatives, including appointments by three Presidents.

Also receiving a Commissioner's Award was Rabbi Leib Glanz, a chaplain with the Department, who was honored for his work in providing spiritual counsel and comfort to both inmates and staff, as well as his work in assisting the Department 's Training Academy in designing leadership and sensitivity courses. The Department's Support Services Division was also presented with a Commissioner's Award for their work in building a new Emergency Command Center on Rikers Island.

Additionally, a Meritorious Duty Medal and five Unit Citations - awarded to a command for outstanding performance - were presented. This year's Operations Ribbon went to the Special Operations Division on Rikers Island for their work in preventing an inmate escape. The Department's three uniformed unions also presented awards to their members for outstanding career achievements.