Georgetown, DE – This past week the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) recognized Correctional Officers and medical professionals for saving the life of a Sussex Correctional Institution (SCI) inmate who experienced a sudden life-threatening cardiac arrest earlier this year.
On August 14, 2022 a 62 year-old inmate was working in the SCI kitchen when he exhibited signs of medical distress. Correctional Sergeant Markie Lewis was assigned to the kitchen area and activated a medical alert. Lieutenant Greg Callaway, Lieutenant Rae Morgan and Sergeant Joe Mears immediately responded to the alert and together the Officers attended to the inmate who was struggling to breathe. Registered Nurse Kathy Moore from the SCI medical team quickly joined the response and initiated CPR. Additional Officers and facility medical staff arrived and performed CPR in rotating shifts until Georgetown EMS Emergency Medical Technicians Michael Petusky and Michael Moore arrived and continued lifesaving measures. A pulse was restored and the inmate was able to breathe on his own as he was transported from the prison to an area hospital. The inmate received specialized in-patient medical care and fully recovered. At the time of the cardiac arrest the inmate had served 40 years in prison. He has since completed his prison sentence and has been transferred to a DOC community corrections facility where he is receiving reentry services as he prepares to return to the community.
During a November 30 commendation ceremony at Sussex Correctional Institution Department of Correction leaders and Georgetown Emergency Medical Services staff recognized the Correctional Officers and medical professional for their joint efforts that saved the life of the SCI inmate. See attached group photograph.
“When their training and skills were needed in a life-threatening emergency situation Correctional Officers, correctional medical staff, and community emergency medical first responders jumped into action and worked together to give an incarcerated person a second chance at life. Not only did he survive and recover, but he has now been released and has a new opportunity to live a productive life. That success is a credit to our dedicated team and it reflects our commitment to excellence,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Monroe B. Hudson Jr.
DOC Bureau of Prisons Chief Shane Troxler said, “I am extremely proud of our Officers and staff for not only being heroes and saving someone’s life that day but also for putting themselves in a position to provide that level of service every day. I know how hard it can be to keep that edge in a correctional environment that is built around predictability and routine and I find it encouraging and uplifting that you have continued to do your job and perform your duties at the highest level day in and day out.”
Pictured in the attached photo:
Back row: DOC Bureau Chief of Prisons Shane Troxler, SCI Warden Scott Ceresini, LPN Carrie Wilson, EMT Michael Petusky, Lt. Rae Morgan, Lt. Greg Calloway, Sgt. Joe Mears, Sgt. Kevin Dunn, Sgt. Mark Keefer, DOC Commissioner Monroe B. Hudson Jr., DOC Deputy Commissioner Terra Taylor
Front Row: Senior Georgetown EMS Administrator Lisa Fensick, SCI Security Superintendent Major Marvella Wise, Lt. Sharon Mears, RN Kathy Moore, LPN Amanda Moss, Dr. Sheri McAfee-Garner
Not pictured but received recognition from DOC leadership: Sgt. Markie Lewis, Correctional Officer Travis Neeley, Sgt. Brandon Wilkins, Correctional Officer Blake Warnick, Sgt. Scott Smoot, RN Brittany Nunes, LPN Carrie Wilson, EMT Michael Moore
All Correctional Officers receive CPR training as part of their initial academy training and receive refresher training through the DOC Training Academy. All Delaware prison facilities are staffed 24 hours a day by contracted medical staff who provide a wide range of medical services to the incarcerated population and operate prison infirmaries.
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Jason Miller
Chief of Communications and Community Relations
Delaware Department of Correction | Commissioner Monroe B. Hudson Jr.
302-857-5232 (office) | 302-379-4048 (cell)