Commissioner: Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Laderka Tillman Brown Honored

FORSYTH, Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) named Laderka Tillman Brown of Dooly State Prison as Correctional Officer of the Year at the 12th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on June 9 at GDC Headquarters in Forsyth, Ga.

“Laderka should be commended for the exceptional manner in which she managed herself during a highly stressful situation,” said Commissioner Bryson. “She is an officer of the highest caliber, and we are privileged to her as part of our team.”

The Correctional Officer of the Year award is presented to an officer with first-rate knowledge of inmate behaviors and policy and procedures.  The recipient of this award must display an outstanding effort and motivation towards job performance and duties.  

Officer Brown was selected for this award due to her swift actions on September 5, 2015. During her shift on the perimeter patrol post, she became aware of a suspicious vehicle. She notified her supervisors of a potential threat, and due to her alertness and immediate actions, two suspects were arrested and one inmate was charged with attempted escape.

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 200 guests.  Making the award presentation with Chief of Staff Greg Dozier were Assistant Commissioner of Administration & Finance Scott Poitevint, Assistant Commissioner of Facilities Timothy C. Ward, Assistant Commissioner of Inmate Services Dr. L.C. ‘Buster’ Evans and keynote speaker Randall Godfrey.

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 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.