2013 James Henderson Award Winner Named

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Officer Chris Reaves Honored

FORSYTH - Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) presented Chris Reaves of Georgia State Prison with the James Henderson Memorial Award at the Tenth Annual GDC Awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at the State Offices South at Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia.

"The Department is honored to present Chris with the James Henderson award," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "He continues to go above and beyond the call of duty to serve this agency and great state of Georgia."

The James Henderson Award was created to honor the memory of Correctional Officer James Henderson of Georgia State Prison for placing service above self and extraordinary bravery beyond the call of duty. Officer Henderson died on June 3, 2002 of injuries sustained in the line of duty. He was a valued officer at Georgia State Prison from 1994 �2002. Henderson was an Army veteran who served in Korea, Germany and the United States.

Officer Reaves began his career with the Department in 1994. Throughout his career with the agency, he has assisted local prisons, sheriff's departments, police departments, local detention centers and fellow probation and parole officers. Reaves performs to the very best of his ability and is devoted to the safety of his teammates and the public above his own.

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 200 guests. Making the award presentation with the Commissioner were Assistant Commissioner Timothy C. Ward, Board of Corrections Vice Chair Rose Williams, and special guest speakers Mercer University Athletic Director Jim Cole and Mercer University Men's Basketball Head Coach Bob Hoffman.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 55,000 state prisoners and more than 160,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 12,000 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.