TDOC Officers Awarded Medal of Valor

Nashville - It is with great pride and excitement the Tennessee Department of Correction announces that two correctional officers have been awarded the American Correctional Association’s 2018 Medal of Valor.

On April 9 of this year, Officers Paul Nielson and Jesse Shockley responded to an “officer needs assistance” call after Officer Lester Ball was assaulted by offenders associated with a security threat group (STG) at the Turney Center Industrial Complex in Only, TN. Despite being assaulted upon entering the unit, Officers Nielson and Shockley made their way to Officer Ball and pulled him safely into an empty cell.  While Officer Neilson was able to exit the unit to get additional assistance, Officers Ball and Shockley were held against their will for a brief time before the conclusion of the incident.

According to Warden Kevin Genovese, “Officers Neilson and Shockley showed great courage and dedication to their fellow staff members and the department by putting their lives at risk to come to the aid of a fellow officer.”

 Commissioner Tony Parker adds, “This is a very prestigious award for two very deserving TDOC Correctional Officers.  Officers Nielson and Shockley are true heroes that exemplify the standard of ‘never leaving one of our own behind!’ Congratulations, I salute them both!”

 The ACA’s Medal of Valor is a prestigious award presented to a person or persons in corrections who performed an act of extraordinary bravery and exceptional valor while in the line of duty.  The award will be presented at the 2018 Winter Conference in Orlando, Florida.