Kent Ryan named Correctional Officer of the Year

Michael F. Easley Governor		Theodis Beck Secretary
North Carolina Department of Correction

For Release: IMMEDIATE	Contact: Keith Acree
Date: May 6, 2003	Phone: (919) 716-3727

Kent Ryan named Correctional Officer of the Year APEX – Lt. E. Kent Ryan was recognized today by Secretary Theodis Beck and the North Carolina Department of Correction as one of ten Correctional Officers of the Year. Ryan is assigned to Albemarle Correctional Institution in Badin as special operations lieutenant in charge of transportation. He supervises seven officers who handle the prison’s daily transportation needs, such as inmate hospital visits and special transfers. He is recognized for two outstanding acts. On February 25, 2002, while on his way to work, Ryan spotted a very young girl walking along busy U.S. Highway 52. He picked the girl up and drove to a nearby store and called sheriff’s deputies. The deputies determined the girl had walked away from a nearby day-care center and she was soon reunited with her mother. On April 25, 2000, Ryan and another officer saw a car veer off the road and plunge into water. Ryan notified 911 and went to aid the driver, who was submerged in the upside-down car. He helped rescue the driver and stayed until help arrived. "Lt. Ryan represents the Department of Correction and Albemarle Correctional Institution in a positive manner by his dedication, leadership, willingness to go the extra mile and his proven actions to help others," said Capt. R.E. Strickland. Ryan is a graduate of North Rowan High School and continued his education at Pfeiffer College. He is a resident of Spencer and a 24-year veteran of the Department of Correction. Albemarle Correctional Instutition is a medium-custody prison facility housing approximately 850 inmates. Governor Mike Easley has declared May 4-10 as Correctional Officers’ Week in observance of the important public safety work done by more than 10,000 correctional officers in North Carolina’s prisons. # # # Editors: A digital photo of Ryan is available by calling the Public Information Office at 919-716-3700