Hunter correctional officers recognised for saving lives

Last published on 18 Jan 2021 

Six correctional officers from the Hunter region have been awarded some of the most prestigious honours at Corrective Services NSW, for their heroic actions in saving two of their colleagues’ lives in separate incidents.

Assistant Commissioner of Security and Intelligence Sue Wilson said the officers were presented with Assistant Commissioner Commendations at a ceremony in Sydney on National Corrections Day, last Friday.

“These officers exemplify everything that we stand for and their achievements are in keeping with the finest traditions of Corrective Services NSW,” Ms Wilson said.

“The two groups from Newcastle and Cessnock jumped into action when it was clear that emergency assistance was needed, with their quick thinking saving two lives.”

Newcastle Court Escort Security Unit officers Todd Burgoyne and former Justice Health nurse Sue Henderson received the Assistant Commissioner’s Commendation for performing lifesaving assistance on a colleague who went into cardiac arrest.

Northern Transport Unit officers from Cessnock, Aaron Golledge and Robert Henry were presented Assistant Commissioner’s Commendations for being the first responders to a colleague having a medical emergency.

Officers Darren Ross, Tahlea Nicolas and Mal Hannaford have also received awards for their role in the two medical responses but were unable to attend.

CSNSW Commissioner Peter Severin applauded the efforts of these selfless men and women for their ability to work together under intense pressure.

“National Corrections Day celebrates the amazing work by our staff and it is an honour to be able to formally recognise these heroes today,” Mr Severin said.

“I have always believed that our staff are some of the world’s best and it is incidents like these that really bring this sentiment home.”

National Corrections Day celebrates the more than 10,000 Corrective Services NSW staff, who include custodial officers, overseers, services and programs staff, psychologists and Community Corrections officers.

There are 1,170 Security and Intelligence staff who manage cell complexes, work in custodial facilities and transport offenders between 70 locations state-wide.
National Corrections Day recognises the important contribution frontline staff make to community safety and reducing reoffending.

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