Officer Earns National Recognition for Valor

Corrections USA (CUSA) accepts nominations annually from across the United States for the Corrections USA Medal of Valor. At the 2012 CUSA Conference and Awards Dinner February 6-9, 2012, corrections officers and staff from Michigan, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey and Arizona were awarded The Medal of Valor. CUSA is the oldest and largest national association of professional corrections officers and staff in the U.S., educating policy makers and the public about the corrections profession and about professional public correctional staff - the unsung heroes of law enforcement.

                                              Pictured L to R: Greg Olsen, Todd Dunn, Officer Bauer, Andy Potter and Mel Greishaber.

On November 22, 2011, a maximum-security prisoner was attending school in the programs building of Baraga Correctional Facility.  The prisoner got upset and started yelling at the teacher, and then threw a book at her.  The teacher left the classroom and was pursued down the hallway by the prisoner. The teacher activated her Personal Protection Alarm and yelled for help.  Corrections Officer Jodie Bauer was the first to respond to the scene as the inmate started kicking the teacher and forcing her to the ground.  Officer Bauer single handedly pulled the inmate away from the teacher and placed him on the hallway floor.  As other staff arrived to assist, Officer Bauer continued to hold the prisoner down as he continued trying to kick other staff.  Another Officer dispensed his personal chemical agent directly at the prisoner. Officer Bauer was also contaminated by the chemical agent, but continued to secure control of the prisoner until he was placed in restraints and escorted to segregation.

Due to Officer Bauer's quick and decisive action, there were no serious injuries to the teacher or responding staff.  Officer Bauer's courage and professionalism are not only a credit to her, but reflect proudly on the Michigan Department of Corrections. She has also been nominated to receive a Department Valor Award for her actions.