Commissioner : Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Jerome Lane recognized

FORSYTH, Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) honored Jerome Lane from Georgia State Prison (GSP) as the Acts of Heroism Award winner at the 13th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on August 8 at GDC headquarters in Forsyth, Ga.

“Jerome is a hardworking, dedicated and dependable officer that is always willing to go beyond the call of his normal duties,” said Chief of Staff Timothy C. Ward. “Because of his heroic actions and quick thinking, he was able to provide aid a nurse who was assaulted as well as help identify the inmate who assaulted her.”

The award is presented to on officer who demonstrates extraordinary bravery and exceptional valor involving imminent personal threat to their life with knowledge of the risk, above and beyond the call of duty.

On June 5, 2016, Officer Lane was instructed to escort to the pill nurse. Upon arriving at the pill room, he observed that the nurse was lying on the floor appearing to have been in a struggle. It was later discovered that she had been assaulted by an inmate. Officer Lane immediately obtained medical help for the nurse, and due to his sharp thinking and quick response, the inmate who assaulted the nurse was immediately identified and was placed on lockdown.

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 250 guests.  Making the award presentation with Commissioner Greg Dozier were State Senator Tyler Harper, Board of Corrections member Christopher Clark, Chief of Staff Timothy C. Ward, Assistant Commissioners Ricky Myrick, Scott Poitevint, Jay Sanders, Randy Sauls, and Director of Professional Development Terry Edge and Director of Professional Standards Clay Nix.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.