2018 State Corrections Local 105 Officers of the Year
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Officer Erica Mitchell Adult Diagnostic & Treatment Center
Officer Erica Mitchell is not only an officer with the NJ Department of Corrections, but she also proudly served her country in the U. S. Navy aboard the USS Nitro during the Gulf War. She is an inspiration for her tireless work with“ Sisters Beyond the Badge,” a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of women everywhere. Sisters Beyond the Badge provides counseling and services to the community. Officer Mitchell fought a courageous battle with cancer and will retire this year after 25 years of distinguished service.
Officer Eric Parks and Officer John Guidice from the Albert C. Wagner Youth Correctional facility.
Officer Eric Parks and Officer John Guidice Albert C. Wagner Youth Correctional Facility
On May 15, 2017, NJ Department of Corrections Officers Eric Parks and John Guidice came upon a collision involving a car and a dump truck carrying 50,000 pounds of gravel. When Officer Parks ran to assist the driver, he was found hanging upside down. As Officer Parks pulled the driver out of the truck, he realized there was another vehicle involved. Trapped under thousands of pounds of crushed rock was a flattened sedan with two women inside. Officer Parks began digging the women out when Officer Guidice arrived. While it took three to four minutes to get the passenger out, it took more than an hour to dig out the driver. Both officers refused to give up and worked as a team along with Manchester Police Department, EMTs, firefighters and off-duty state officers. Miraculously, the driver walked to the ambulance with only minor cuts and scrapes; no one sustained life-threatening injuries.
Officer Peter Ballurio Bayside State Prison
Officer Peter Ballurio has been with the NJ Department of Corrections for 18 years. He keeps the memory of Bayside’ s fallen officers Fred Baker and Donald Hiles alive by organizing fundraisers to purchase memorial benches in their name with two beautiful trees next to each bench. Officer Ballurio spends hours of his own time preserving the memorials to ensure that everything is perfect for the Baker Memorial Ceremony.
Officer Dennis Benton, Jr. Central Medical Unit
Officer Dennis Benton, Jr. began his career in 2002 at the Albert C. Wagner Correctional Facility. After serving in the U. S. Army from 1996 to 2001, he joined the Central Medical Unit in
2005. Officer Benton showcases his dedication and extreme level of patience by being available to assist new officers during their training at the Central Medical Unit.
Officer Leeann Sherratt Central Reception & Assignment Facility
Officer Leeann Sherratt was with the NJ Department of Corrections for 18 years. Her last work area was as a Unit A Center Control Blotter Officer. She was extremely knowledgeable about the policies and procedures of the center. Through her health struggles, she still proved how dedicated she was by coming into work early, eager to start her day. She fought a courageous fight and will be greatly missed.
Officer Benjamin Hayes Central Transportation Unit
Officer Benjamin Hayes began his career with the NJ Department of Corrections in 1994. He has extensive training, including with the Morris County Sheriff’ s Department and New Jersey State Police and working in crisis centers during and after the 9 / 11 attacks. Officer Hayes received a commendation for safely evacuating inmates from Southern State Prison to other institutions throughout the state in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy.
Officer Michael Drybread Correctional Staff Training Academy
Officer Michael Drybread began his career with the NJ Department of Corrections in 2007. He teaches drill and ceremony, defensive tactics, CPR, arrest search and seizure, active shooter response, perimeter security and baton. Officer Drybread is very involved in the community and is a Ride Marshal in the Police Unity Tour, where he raises money for families of fallen officers killed in the line of duty. He is a U. S. Army veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While being engaged by the enemy, he earned the combat action badge, as well as two army commendation medals and driver badges for wheeled and track combat driving.
Officer Joshua Ruiz East Jersey State Prison
In December 2017, Officer Joshua Ruiz was returning home when he observed a male and female in a parked vehicle. He heard the female scream for help, as the man in the car was sexually assaulting her. Officer Ruiz jumped out of the car, carefully approached the vehicle and identified himself as an officer. He observed the male attempting to pull his pants up, while the female’ s pants were down. Officer Ruiz grabbed him, brought him to the ground and placed him in handcuffs as he waited for the Union City Police to arrive.
Officer Robert Gunderman Edna Mahan Correctional Facility
Officer Robert Gunderman has more than 24 years of experience with the NJ Department of Corrections. He is active in the community as well, serving as councilman, volunteer firefighter and baseball coach. For all of his duties, he is highly regarded by his peers.
Officer Joseph Herod Garden State Correctional Facility
Officer Joseph Herod began his career with the Department
68 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ MAY 2018