14 local California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) employees will be honored at the 31st Annual Medal of Valor ceremony.
The ceremony recognizes heroism and service above the call of duty.
More than 100 CDCR employees will be honored in Elk Grove.
Local honorees include:
Correctional officer Christian Logan from the Kern Valley State Prison, who will receive a Bronze Star.
Statement provided about Officer Logan's heroics:
In April 2015, Officer Logan was in his backyard when he heard a woman scream for help. He responded and found a woman standing in nearby driveway holding a baby. The woman said the baby had fallen into a pool. The baby had turned blue and was not breathing. He told the woman to put the baby on the grass and he began CPR. After about two minutes, the baby spit out water. Officer Logan continued CPR and the baby started crying. Officer Logan continued to monitor the baby and comfort the mother and her 4-year-old daughter until responders arrived. Officer Logan's fast, professional actions saved a young life.
Correctional Officers Henry Arevalo Jr., Ricky Charles, Eric Dixon, Ernest Parker, Robert Perez, Daniel Vasquez and Michael Rients, Registered Nurse Claire Garrovillo and Correctional Sergeant William Sullivan from Kern Valley State Prison will receive a Unit Citation.
Statement provided of their heroics:
In September 2015, an inmate was discovered unresponsive in his cell. Members of this team responded to find the inmate wasn't breathing. A drug overdose was suspected. Team members began conducting CPR in relays as the inmate was removed from the cell to the dayroom floor and then to a gurney. The inmate began shallow breathing and was prepared for transport to a hospital. Other team members discovered a spoon and suspected heroin in his cell. This information was relayed to the medical responders and the treatment of the inmate was adjusted accordingly. Thanks to the team's quick work and coordination, a life likely was saved.
Correctional Officer Steve M. Mello from North Kern State Prison will receive a Silver Star.
Statement provided of Mello's heroics:
In December 2015, Officer Mello was driving in a CDCR transportation vehicle, which was not carrying inmates. He saw a CHP vehicle maneuver to stop a fleeing vehicle. The driver of the fleeing vehicle attempted to run and the CHP officer stopped and restrained him. Officer Mello, noting the CHP officer did not need help, saw another occupant in the vehicle. To keep him from interfering with the CHP officer, Officer Mello ordered the passenger to keep their hands in view and stay in the vehicle. Without knowing if the other car occupant was armed, Officer Mello put himself at risk for a fellow law enforcement officer and kept a dangerous incident from escalating.
Correctional Officers Chad Look, Luis Delatorre and Tyson Manning from Wasco State Prison will receive a Silver Star.
Statement provided of their heroics:
In August 2015, these officers came across a collision and roll-over accident that left four people trapped in an SUV. Despite the strong odor of gasoline and imminent danger of fire, the three officers worked as a team to remove the victims to safety. Working against time because of the leak, they removed two adults and two children - a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old. The officers displayed bravery and teamwork in rescuing four people from a dangerous situation.
