A Torrington corrections officer received the Medal of Valor from the American Correctional Association for stopping the stabbing of a prison inmate in 2019.
In September 2019, Officer Cullen Calderon at the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution risked his own personal safety in order to prevent the loss of life, according to the Wyoming Department of Corrections.
“Officer Calderon exhibited extraordinary bravery and valor in the line of duty, as evidenced by his actions, and he deserves recognition for the courage he demonstrated,” the Wyoming Department of Corrections said in a statement.
Calderon was working as the facility recreation officer on Sept. 10, 2019. When staff began to serve the afternoon meal, Calderon went to assist and saw an inmate begin to stab another from behind.
Calderon began to wrestle the attacker to the ground. Calderon restrained the attacker’s hand to stop the attack and then disarmed the attacker.
His actions prevented any further injury from being inflicted by the attacker and his weapon to the other inmate and potentially staff, the Corrections Department said.
In this selfless act of bravery, with his undaunted courage and unwavering devotion to duty and the Wyoming Department of Corrections mission, Calderon prevented the attacker from taking the life of another inmate and protected fellow staff from serious injury or death.
“Calderon’s actions demonstrated the qualities of a leader and reflect his own high standards, which serve to uphold the highest traditions of the Wyoming Department of Corrections,” the DOC said.
