By Camm Ashford
Fourteen Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office personnel were recognized for heroic actions they took during an inmate uprising in the George Housing Unit at the Silverdale Detention Center on Feb. 17.
The officers who were awarded on June 21 with a Commendation and Challenge Coin by Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond and Chief Deputy Austin Garrett: Corrections Lieutenant Charles Lowery III; Corrections Sergeants Austin Greene, Dustin Robertson and Sergeant Eric Qualls; Corrections Corporals Michael Craig, Amadou Diaw, Marlos Moore and Tyler Wooden; and Corrections Deputies Brandon Booth, Cerion Carson, Tanner Jackson, Stephen Ortwein, Latanya Wells and Adam Wilson.
“The Corrections personnel who stood their ground and those responding from other units showed great courage and duty in this potentially violent and potentially deadly situation,” said Sheriff’s Hammond. “Responding personnel showed great strength and restraint in the use of force utilized to gain compliance, and presented a united front. The dedication and professionalism shown by these individuals exemplify the role of a dedicated public servant and are in keeping with the highest standards of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.”
According to a written report, “On February 17, 2022, Corrections Deputies assigned to the George Housing Unit at the Silverdale Detention Center reported the inmates were refusing to lockdown and an uprising was underway in the George 2 Unit. A request for assistance was given over the radio. Immediately, corrections personnel from Charlie Team and the Security Operations Unit began to respond to the George 2 Unit. Upon arrival, the scene was found to be chaotic, but George Unit Corrections deputies were trying to offer an orchestrated response to the uprising. It was immediately noticed that inmates were attempting to armor themselves with sleeping mats and plastic wrap to protect their bodies and face from less lethal munitions that might be introduced by responding personnel. Once additional personnel arrived on scene, Corrections command and deputies were able to swiftly contain, control, and communicate with the inmates. Ultimately, compliance was gained after having to use several less lethal options and order was restored to the unit. Once compliance was gained, contract medical personnel were brought in to assess any inmates who had complaints or may have been injured during the uprising.”