Officers, employees honored during annual recognition & award ceremony

CHELMSFORD, Mass. – Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian recognized members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office for sustained excellence and outstanding acts during the 2016 Employee Recognition & Award Ceremony on Wednesday, May 4.

The ceremony is held annually during the first week of May, which since 1984 has been recognized as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week.

“Far too often the hard work and dedication of correctional officers and employees goes unnoticed by the general public,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.  “This ceremony is an opportunity for us to celebrate the outstanding work and achievements of our officers, teachers, medical professionals, addiction counselors and all those who dedicate their lives to not only ensuring the care, custody and control of those placed with us by the courts, but also to helping place them on the road to successful reentry.”

For the fourth consecutive year, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office was honored to have Rene Rancourt perform the National Anthem to open the ceremony.

A number of awards were presented during the ceremony held at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Training Academy in Chelmsford, including Administrator and Officer of the Year.   A total of 32 fulltime officers and employees were also recognized with Outstanding Performance or Humanitarian Awards.

This year’s Administrator of the Year was presented to Assistant Deputy Superintendent Todd Ledbury, who was recognized for his outstanding administrative and leadership skills.  An 18-year veteran of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, ADS Ledbury has served in various operational roles during his career, as well as a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.

The Officer of the Year Award was presented to Lieutenant Dan Leone.  An eight-year Middlesex Sheriff’s Office veteran, Lt. Leone currently serves as a shift supervisor charged with ensuring a safe and secure environment for both employees and staff, including in the Health Services Unit.

Also recognized during this year’s ceremony were retired Deputy Dave Lane, Sr. and longtime Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) counselor John Howard.

Deputy Lane was recognized with a special Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding dedication and contributions to the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office over 46 years of service.  Deputy Lane began his career as a correction officer on January 1, 1970 and climbed the ranks to become an assistant deputy superintendent.  Following his retirement, he continued to serve the office playing a significant role in helping the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office earn its first American Correctional Association (ACA) last year.  Deputy Lane’s son, David Lane Jr., is a lieutenant with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office

John Howard has been a YPSA counselor for 10 summers, having been promoted to senior counselor three years ago.  A teacher at a local area school, John was presented with the Humanitarian Award for his decision to donate a kidney to one of his students earlier this year.

“These officers and employees are a credit to the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and this profession,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.  “I thank them – and all the members of our office – for their dedication and service.”

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