Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian announced that several Middlesex Sheriff’s Office employees received statewide recognition for their outstanding achievement at the 15th Annual Correctional Officer of the Year Awards ceremony.

Sheriff Koutoujian nominated 17 Middlesex Sheriff’s Office employees who received awards based on their outstanding contributions to public safety and service to others.

“I was privileged to stand alongside this outstanding group of individuals as they received such a deserving honor,” said Sheriff Peter Koutoujian. “Their dedication to the communities they serve are incredible examples of selflessness and bravery.”

Officers Buntha Kieng (Lowell) and Todd Courtemanche (Dracut) received the “Medal of Valor” award. Officers Kieng and Courtemanche are assigned to the Warrant Apprehension Unit in Lowell, MA. While on duty, the officers observed a man being stabbed repeatedly in the City of Lowell. The officers interjected, pursued and apprehended the suspect, and took him into custody. Their actions undoubtedly saved the victim’s life.

Sheriff Koutoujian also nominated the following officers who received the “Community Service Award” for their exceptional contributions to the “Wounded Warrior Project”: Deputy Richard Vivier (Methuen), Deputy Richard Maloney (Lowell), Captain Tammy Manning (Billerica), Lieutenant Angel Rosado (Lowell), Sergeant Steven Laderoute (Lowell), Officer Ryan Abrams (Chelmsford), Officer Sean Donnelly (Pepperell), Officer Christopher Foley (Hudson, NH), Officer James Gaudette (Methuen), Officer Richard Heneghan (Burlington), Officer David Lane, Jr. (Lowell), Officer Christopher Leary (Somerville), Officer Daniel Noel (Westford), Officer Timothy O’Leary (Billerica) and Officer Richard Vieira (Tewksbury).
The Wounded Warrior Project is a national organization that helps to raise awareness on behalf of injured service members returning home from combat. These employees coordinated and participated in last year’s “Solider Ride”, a 25 and 45 mile bike ride to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The officers raised over $10,000 and were the strongest show of support the Wounded Warrior Project had experienced from any law enforcement agency across the country.

“The goal of ensuring the safety of our citizens is a cause we hold dear whether at home or abroad,” Koutoujian said. “This group of individuals embraced the need to give back to those who served our country with pride, courage and dignity”.

These individuals went above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrated the highest standards of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office. For more information about the Wounded Warrior Project, please visit their website: www.woundedwarriorproject.org