UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Life can be grim for inmates inside the Prince George’s County jail — but they are lives worth saving.
On Dec. 6, corrections officers were alerted to a life-threatening emergency involving a 27-year-old inmate.
“A Signal 89-H was called — H is hanging,” said Department of Corrections Cpl. Horace Stanback, who was on duty.
Master Cpl. John Nicholson was one of the first to arrive in the inmate’s cell.
“We cut him down, and we started CPR on him,” Nicholson said. “And, we brought him back to life.”
Nicholson and Stanback were among eight DOC officers honored during roll call at the jail by Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Chief Ben Barksdale and other county fire officials.
Officers did CPR chest compressions on the male inmate until EMS crews arrived.
Others honored were Sgt. Kurt Moore, and corporals Earl Jones, Matthew Eckard, Daniel Morgan, Samuel Aguocha and Jean Nguep.
Nicholson said the criminal background of the inmate didn’t affect his determination to save him.
“Regardless of what he’s done, it’s our job to provide, protect and promote,” said Nicholson.
“Everybody is treated the same here,” added Stanback.
Nicholson said the inmate is doing well, adding that he escorted him to court last week, “like nothing happened.”
“We don’t need no thanks,” he said. “As long as we saved his life, that’s all that matters.”
Stanback acknowledged there are easier jobs than being a corrections officer.
“Somebody’s gotta do it,” he half-joked, adding he has family members and friends who have worked in the facility in the past.
Nicholson said it’s unlikely the inmate, who DOC officials did not identify, knows who saved his life.
“He may know — as long as he’s breathing, it don’t matter if he knows or not,” said Nicholson.
