A Lancaster County Department of Corrections officer was honored with the Commissioners’ Award of Excellence on at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday. This recognizes employees who consistently provide outstanding service and work that demonstrates exemplary personal commitment to Lancaster County.
Corrections Officer Tom Shirey was recognized for quick action in preventing a serious injury to an inmate.
“Officer Shirey was completing a safety and security check of a housing unit when he observed an inmate in distress move across the unit and attempt to clear his throat. After initially clearing food from his mouth, Officer Shirey observed the inmate to be choking, unable to cough or breathe. Officer Shirey was able to call for additional staff and medical assistance before performing the Heimlich maneuver several times on the individual. His quick action and skilled response enabled him to clear the inmate’s airway and prevent further injury to the inmate that could have resulted in loss of life.”
Deb Schorr, Lancaster County Board Chair, stated, “Your life saving measures had a positive impact on the inmate and the inmate’s family. We are proud of the work you and your fellow correctional officers do every day.”
Shirey was nominated by a Correctional Sergeant in the category of Safety.